Tradition still remains when it comes to reinvent the São João hammer in Porto

The exhibit of the 7th edition of the São João Plastic Hammer Contest is on show at Palácio das Artes.
In total, 112 projects, in object, 2D and video format celebrate one of the most iconic symbols of St John celebrations in Porto. 

This contest is an initiative by the Youth Foundation, in partnership with Porto City Hall and the Millennium bcp Foundation. The fundamental purpose of such a competition, held annually, is "to boost the participation of all citizens in the rendering of different and innovative São João hammers".

The exhibit ticks the boxes for honouring personalities and monuments in Porto, local cuisine graphics, and other icons regarding tradition and culture from Porto.

The São João hammer first appeared in Porto in 1963, when students from the University of Porto were looking for something noisy, a toy to party at the "Queima das Fitas"- a celebration of the end of the academic year, which happens in May.

Manuel Boaventura, an entrepreneur in the industrial plastic area, came up with the plastic hammer, inspired by the salt and pepper shaker he had seen in one of his trips abroad.

It was an instant success. And college students used it again to celebrate São João. This is now a tradition and it endures still.
The exhibit at the Palácio das Artes, located at Largo São Domingos, opened last weekend and the winners of the 2018 edition were announced. 

See the winners' list attached.

Check out the winner in the video format below.

The exhibit will be on show till 30 June, from Monday to Saturday. Operating hours are from 10 am to 6 pm.