June has arrived and with it the long-awaited Santos Populares festivals are back. This is one of the most emblematic traditions of Portuguese culture, bringing together thousands of people at street parties filled with popular music, colour and food.
The Santos Populares are traditional festivities celebrated in Portugal in honour of three Catholic saints: Saint Anthony, on 13 June; Saint John, on 24 June; and Saint Peter, on 29 June.
Although celebrations are held all over the country, some cities stand out for the scale of their street parties, each placing special emphasis on one of the saints. In Lisbon, the festivities are mainly dedicated to Saint Anthony, the favourite saint of Lisbon locals.
It is also a festival that cuts across generations, with traditions passed down from parents to children and kept alive over time.
“It’s a time of celebration, happiness and lots of socialising. Speaking for myself, but also for people I know, we talk about the Santos Populares all year round,” Leonardo Bordonhos told Euronews.
“This is one of the traditions that defines Lisbon, the year and our social life. I can’t even imagine a reality in which the Santos Populares didn’t exist,” he added.
Maia Ribeiro also told Euronews that she hopes this tradition “will continue for many years to come”. “It is part of our identity as Portuguese people. When I was a child I already used to come to the Santos Populares… there is no Lisbon without saints.”
Where to celebrate the Santos Populares in Lisbon
With Saint Anthony’s day fast approaching, Euronews has put together a guide to some of the main street parties in the capital. All of them are free to enter and promise days of festivities full of music and socialising.
1. Grande Arraial Sagres Avenidas Novas
Campo Pequeno once again provides the stage for the 2026 Santos Populares, with 16 days of music, grilled sardines and bifanas (pork sandwiches). It was one of the first street parties to liven up Lisbon and remains one of the largest and busiest in the capital.
As in previous years, there is plenty of entertainment for children throughout the festivities, with bouncy castles, carousels and other activities designed for younger visitors.
2. Santos à Campolide
“Santos à Campolide” is one of Lisbon’s busiest and most spacious street parties. Held in the Quinta do Zé Pinto, it is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and as a meeting point for visitors, with live music, stalls serving traditional food and plenty of areas to mingle.
The party runs until 13 June, with musical entertainment provided by Trio Clave, Arte Música, Queres é Pimba, DJ André Couto, Tributo Popular, Banda Lusomix, DJ Pietro and Domingos Patinha.
3. Arraial da Vila Berta
The Vila Berta street party is one of the most emblematic Santos Populares events in Lisbon. The festivities take place in Vila Berta, a small former workers’ estate in the Graça neighbourhood, and are known for their traditional, family-oriented atmosphere.
As part of the Festas de Lisboa programme, this street party is marking its 15th anniversary under the motto “15 Years Getting the Party Started”. Celebrations run until 13 June, with entertainment every day from 6 pm.
2. Arraial Resiste
Held in Largo da Rosa, in the heart of Mouraria, Arraial Resiste is another of the most emblematic celebrations in the Portuguese capital. More than just another Santos Populares party, it stands out for its multicultural, community-based character, reflecting the diversity that defines Mouraria.
Also running until 13 June, the event remains committed to fostering interaction between people from different backgrounds and to turning public space into a meeting place.
4. Santos em Santos
The Santos Populares in Santos, on Lisbon’s waterfront, are among the liveliest celebrations in the city in June. It is one of the most sought-after parties for both Lisbon residents and tourists, thanks to the wide range of music and food on offer along the River Tagus.
This is the longest-running street party in Lisbon, continuing until 19 July. Acts on the bill include: Quim Barreiros, Maria Leal with Turb’Ó Baile, Santos Noventeiros (by Revenge of the 90s), Rosinha, Micaela, Saul, Romana, Iran Costa, Jorge Guerreiro, Mónica Sintra, Xana Carvalho, Joana D’Arc and Kiko is Hot.
5. Grande Arraial de Belém
The Grande Arraial de Belém, held in Parque dos Moinhos de Santana, is another hugely popular event at this time of year. It stands out for its large scale and for a line-up designed for all generations, with a programme running until 12 June.
Now in its third edition, the event is increasingly establishing itself as a safe bet on Lisbon’s Santos Populares calendar.
Parents can enjoy the festivities with peace of mind, as there are areas set aside specifically for children, with bouncy castles and entertainment.
6. Arraial da Misericórdia
Arraial da Misericórdia takes place at the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, which offers one of the most iconic views over the city of Lisbon. This street party runs until 28 June and is known for its extensive programme.
Throughout the festival days, the area turns into a meeting place with concerts of Portuguese popular music, DJ sets, typical food and a range of cultural activities. The party spills out into the streets of Bairro Alto.