St. John's day

Porto's popular and religious festivity (pagan at its origin, with records going back to the 14th century), and also municipal holiday, is St. John's day, at June 24th. The day before is the party itself: actually there are parties everywhere ("arraial", in traditional neighborhoods).

Traditions:
- On the 23rd one eats grilled sardines (they're just right at this moment) on a piece of bread;
- Afterwards, you are allowed to gently hit everyone on the head with a plastic hammer with harmonic soft heads, making a whistle sound out of it;
- Heated air balloons are launched into the skies making a beautiful scenario at night;
- Balm and lemon verbena bouquets that you put on other people's faces;
- Jumping over bonfires (while preferably not drunk);
- Basil vases that perfume the air (see image - do not smell them directly or they will die, slightly touch it with your hand and take this one to your nose);
- A magnificent, 15 minutes long, firework display, in the middle of the river, at midnight on the 23rd (this Sunday);
- Leeks ("alho-porro") are to be taken home with you at the end, so to avoid the "evil-eye" coming in through your front door;
- Lamb roast at lunch (the lamb is part of St. John the Baptiste’s imagery) and religious procession on the 24th.

Happy St. John’s day! See you there?

P.S. As for events today, June 22nd, check out the "history of tango", music at Quinta da Bonjóia, starting at 5:30 pm (17:30h).