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Date & Significance: St. John's Day, known as "Dia de São João" in Portuguese, is celebrated on June 24th each year. This Christian feast day is dedicated to the birth of Saint John the Baptist and is a public holiday in some parts of Portugal.
History: The origins of St. John's Day festivities date back to pagan times, with celebrations of the summer solstice. With the advent of Christianity, these customs were adapted to honor the birth of John the Baptist, who is considered a key figure as he baptized Jesus Christ.
Traditions: St. John's Day is marked with a variety of traditions that blend religious devotion with popular festivities:
Bonfires: On the eve of St. John's Day, large bonfires are lit, especially in rural areas, signifying purification and protection. People jump over fires believing it will bring good luck.
Parades & Dances: Many towns organize parades and folk dances with participants often wearing traditional costumes.
Fireworks: The night sky is lit up with fireworks displays, particularly in Porto where one of Portugal's most famous São João festivals takes place.
Hammering Tradition: In Porto, a peculiar tradition involves hitting people on the head with soft plastic hammers as a form of friendly celebration.
Garlic Flowers: Another unique tradition in Porto involves hitting fellow revelers with leek flowers or soft toys for fun.
Basil Plants & Poems: It’s common to gift potted basil plants adorned with little flags carrying popular verses or humorous messages.
What People Do: People across Portugal engage in various activities including:
The most elaborate celebrations take place in cities like Porto and Braga where St. John’s festivities attract both locals and tourists alike for an unforgettable cultural experience.
