Get hammered at Porto’s biggest bash!
When: 23rd / 24th June every year
Where: Porto, Portugal
Grab a squeaky rubber hammer and head to the historic city of Porto in Portugal, to join in the bedlam that is the Festa de São João.
The feast day of St John is on the 24th of June but the riotous celebrations always begin the night before with street parties, dancing, barbecues and fireworks to add to the fun. Rubber mallets are sold on every street corner and the air is filled with the sound of their squeaking as the revelers continuously bash eachother on the head mercilessly! No one has any idea how this tradition started!
When is Festa de São João?
Throughout June, the whole of Portugal is celebrating saints days with parades, music and dancing. The main saints’ days are for Anthony (13th June), John (23rd to 24th June) and Peter (28th to 29th June). The same Saint’s days as are also celebrated in Brazil for Festa Junina, brought to Brazil by the Portuguese.
Food & Drink
Sample the festival food sold at the many street vendors – try sweet fried dough (farturas and churros), pork sandwiches called bifanas and sardine, grilled to perfection. Drink local Port.
Travel
Head for Portos’ old town centre, Vila Nova de Gaia and Douro river banks. Book flights and hotels with ebookers.com.
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 Picture by afivenson, on Flickr
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 Festa de São João videoss on YouTube
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Portugal is one of Western Europe’s best kept secrets. Not to many peple hit up Portugal, it’s such a beautiful nation.