Portugal is famous for its summer festivals honoring saints with grilled sardines, street dancing and weddings that are not real weddings.

1. Festas de Lisboa (Santos Populares)

Held throughout Lisbon, especially in Alfama, Mouraria, and Bairro Alto districts. Takes place every June, peaking on June 12th-13th (Saint Anthony's Eve).

• Entire month of June is festival season

• Biggest night is June 12th (eve of Saint Anthony's Day)

• Streets are closed to cars

• Entry is free to all neighborhoods

• Over 1 million people attend each year

Portugal is famous for its summer festivals honoring saints with grilled sardines, street dancing, and weddings that are not real weddings.

2. Grilled Sardines Everywhere (Sardinhas Assadas)

The smell of grilling sardines defines this festival. People set up small charcoal grills on the street and cook fresh sardines whole.

• Sardines eaten with hands on bread

• No plates or forks needed

• Grills are often old oil barrels cut in half

• Smoke fills the entire neighborhood

• Ate while standing, walking, or dancing

3. Saint Anthony's Fake Weddings (Casamentos de Santo António)

Saint Anthony is the matchmaking saint. On June 12th, the city holds a mass wedding ceremony for couples who cannot afford a real wedding.

• 10 to 20 couples marry together in Lisbon's Cathedral

• The city pays for everything: dress, suit, rings, flowers, reception

• Couples apply months in advance

4. Street Dancing and Marchas Populares

Each neighborhood prepares for months to perform traditional dance and music in the Marchas Populares competition. Hundreds of performers in handmade costumes parade through Avenida da Liberdade.

• Costumes show neighborhood history and pride

• Songs are written specially for each year

• Judged by a panel (very competitive)

• Broadcast live on national television

• Winning neighborhood celebrates for weeks

5. Basil Pots of Basil (Manjerico)

Every person buys a small pot of basil (manjerico) during the festival. The basil has a small paper flag with a love poem attached.

• Given to a loved one as a symbol of affection

• The smell of basil fills every street corner stall

• Poems are traditional quadras (four-line verses)

• People care for the basil plant for months after

• If it dies quickly, bad luck in love

6. Plastic Hammers and Squeaky Toys

People hit each other on the head with plastic squeaky hammers. Children carry squeaky toys shaped like pigs, chickens, and fish.

• Used to flirt and play with strangers

• The louder the squeak, the better

• Sold everywhere during festival week

• Not painful at all (very soft plastic)

• Tacky and playful on purpose

7. Wine in a Plastic Cup (Vinho Tinto)

Red wine is served in small plastic cups. People drink while walking, dancing, or waiting for grilled sardines.

• Vinho verde (young green wine) is also popular

• No glass allowed on the streets

• Cups are refilled many times

• Spilled wine is part of the tradition

• Drinking heavily is expected and normal