St. John’s Day in Portugal ― Date, History, and Details
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Let's dive deeper into learning more about the history of St. John’s Day in Portugal and why people celebrate or observe it.
History of St. John’s Day in Portugal and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
St. John’s Day is a national holiday in Portugal that celebrates the life of St. John the Baptist. It is typically observed on June 24th, the saint’s feast day.
St. John the Baptist is the patron saint of Portugal, and his life is celebrated with much fanfare on this holiday. Traditionally, Portuguese families would gather for a feast in honor of the saint. The meal would typically consist of sardines (a symbol of St. John), boiled potatoes, and cornbread.
Today, St. John’s Day is still celebrated with food and drink, but the holiday has also become a time for outdoor festivals and concerts. Many towns and cities host their own festivities, which often include a parade featuring people dressed as devils and angels.
In Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, the celebrations are particularly grand. A large procession makes its way through the city, stopping at various churches along the way. The highlight of the procession is the statue of St. John, which is carried through the streets on a float decorated with flowers.