The scent of São João in Porto from 25 May until 25 June

The City Hall of Porto has officially presented the programme for São João 2017 festivities in the city of Porto, at the heart of the historic centre, at Bairro da Sé, this evening, 16 May.

The feast of São João [St. John] is the midsummer festival held on the night of 23 June (St John's Eve), in the city of Porto.

On this day of 23 June, thousands of people gather at the city centre and more traditional neighbourhoods to pay a tribute to Saint John the Baptist, in a party that mixes sacred and profane traditions, from morning to night that ends with a beautiful firework.

The festivities kick-off as of 25 May, with the city hosting several cultural and folkloric events throughout an entire month.

Starting 25 May until 25 June, the feast of São João lights up the city. Porto dresses up to honour its patron saint, filling the streets with colour and scents, joy and high spirits.

St. John's festivities have been held in the city for more than six centuries. However, it was during the 19th century that this day stands as a landmark in the city's culture and tradition and is experienced by both residents, tourists and visitors each year, celebrating São João Programme, carefully prepared and revamped each year.

The agenda for this year's festivities translates into two expressions, popular tradition and community engagement. Some of the most interesting traditions among the people of Porto during the 'Festa de São João', rooted in pagan courtship rituals, are to buy basil plants, carnations, lemon verbena, "leeks" and plastic hammers used to dole out friendly whacks on the head to passers-by or the traditional São João balloons, made out of paper and brightly coloured, which are carefully launched into the sky, providing an unparalleled vision of hundreds of ascending lights in the city sky.

See here for more info on this special festivity of São João in Porto.