When visiting in June, the St Anthony festival in Lisbon makes the city feel incredibly lively, almost more so than any other time.
It began as a religious tribute, but is now a month-long cultural celebration, where the neighbourhoods celebrate love, community, and grilled fish.
When I first lived in Lisbon back in 2018, I was mesmerized by the crowded streets, the colorful ribbons, and the fado music that filled my surroundings. It was a little chaotic, and definitely loud, but also incredibly lively!
Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning visitor like me, St Anthony’s week is your perfect introduction to Lisbon’s rich culture.
Get ready to immerse yourself in an unforgettable celebration, and while you’re here, check out some of the other public holidays in Lisbon.
What is The St Anthony Festival Lisbon?
The Saint Anthony Festival, also known as the Feast of Saint Anthony or Festas de Lisboa, is an annual celebration honoring Saint Anthony of Padua, Lisbon’s patron saint and one of the most beloved figures in Portuguese culture.
He was born in Lisbon in 1195 and later became known as a powerful preacher and the patron saint of lost things.
The festival peaks on the 12th and 13th of June, marking Saint Anthony’s death, but celebrations last throughout June in many neighborhoods.
The festival is a colorful amalgamation of religious devotion, traditional customs, and folk culture, all alongside the modern city’s usual energy.
Streets are decorated with arches and basil plants, music fills plazas, and neighborhoods host “arraiais”, or outdoor street parties.
One of the iconic symbols of the festival is the grilled sardine. It has become so prevalent that the festival is also sometimes called the Lisbon Sardine Festival by visitors.
Don’t confuse this with the other sardine festivals in Portugal, like the Festival da Sardinha in Portimão (Algarve) and the Sardine Festival in Pedrógão Beach (Leiria), though.
Throughout June, you will find lots to do in Lisbon, including:
- Street parties (arraiais)
- Neighborhood parades (Marchas Populares)
- Collective weddings
- Live music and folk dancing
- Basílica de Santo António ceremonies
- Sardine grills on street corners
- Colorful decorations and basil plants (manjericos)
- LGBTQ+ celebrations and events (Lisbon hosted EuroPride in June 2025)
What Happens on St Anthony Festival Day, Lisbon
The biggest celebrations happen on June 12 and 13. If you’ve only got a couple of days in Lisbon and you want to enjoy all the celebrations, this is when I would recommend going.
Festive parades and street parties make it an unforgettable experience. There are also museum events, church ceremonies, and community activities throughout the first two weeks of June.
St. Anthony’s Festival Weddings
St Anthony’s Day weddings are one of the most moving traditions. Saint Anthony is believed to be a matchmaker, so couples get married on June 13th for blessings and good fortune.
The city hosts the “Casamentos de Santo António,” or mass weddings, often supported by the municipality.
The day often begins with special Masses dedicated to Santo Antonio, where couples offer prayers and seek his intercession for a lifelong partnership filled with love and happiness.
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The mass wedding ceremonies are a sight to behold, with brides often wearing traditional white gowns adorned with intricate lace and grooms donning classic suits or formal attire.
The celebrations kick into high gear following the ceremony as friends and family gather to toast the newlyweds and partake in the festivities with lots of food, music, and dancing.
There are also some fun local traditions that happen around the idea of matchmaking.
Single women sometimes buy a Saint Anthony figurine for matchmaking luck. If their wish doesn’t come true, there’s a playful old custom of “punishing” the saint by putting him upside down until he cooperates.
The Marchas Populares (Neighborhood Parades)
When I think about Saint Anthony’s Day in Lisbon, the first thing that springs to mind is its “Marchas Populares.” I am sure many others will agree that it is one of their favorite parts of the festival.
In this lively parade, which usually takes place on Avenida da Liberdade on the night of June 12th, colorful costume marchers from various neighborhoods display unique cultures through dance and music.
Neighborhoods like Alfama, Mouraria, Madragoa, and Bairro Alto are especially competitive and passionate.
Right after the festival, there are also often fireworks. It’s not always guaranteed, but it’s a great way to finish off the evening when it does happen. You can check out official programs closer to the festival to find out more.
Tip: Arrive early if you want a good view. The avenue fills up quickly! You can also watch the parade on Portuguese television if you cannot attend in person.
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Sardines Everywhere
If one thing defines the St Anthony Festival outside of the marches, it is the smell of sardines grilling in the streets.
This tradition probably originates from stories that St Anthony’s sermon once attracted a bay full of fish who wanted to hear. Now, it’s estimated that Portugal eats about 13 sardines every second in June.
You will notice it long before you see the celebration. Smoke rises from tiny charcoal barbecues tucked into alleyways or onto street corners.
June marks the peak sardine season, so people take pride in enjoying them fresh and simple, just as families have for generations. No fancy marinades or sauces. Just sea salt, charcoal, and bread to soak up the juices.
If you are not a sardine person, do not worry. You will still find bifanas, chouriço sandwiches, cheeses, and even more vegetarian options each year.
Still, I always encourage first-timers to try at least one sardine. It is part of the overall experience.
Manjericos and Festival Tradition
Manjericos, those little basil plants with colorful paper flags, are everywhere throughout June.
They symbolize affection and good luck, and gifting one is a sweet way of saying “I care about you.” Traditionally, a boy gives one to his girlfriend in June, and each contains a paper flower or a short poem.
If you want to smell the basil, you gently touch a leaf, then smell your hand.
Additionally, decorative badges or ribbons, known as “fitas,” are exchanged among friends and loved ones. These vibrant tokens often bear the colors and symbols associated with the festival.
Where to Celebrate St Anthony’s Day in Lisbon
The heart of the festival beats loudest in Alfama and Mouraria, where winding lanes become open-air parties and music spills from every corner. Bairro Alto and Madragoa also join in, each adding its own mood.
If you prefer a little breathing room or want a vantage point for the fireworks, head toward Graça or even the hill around Castelo. You still get the atmosphere, but you can step back when you need a moment.
Tips for Enjoying St Anthony’s Festival
This is one of those nights where Lisbon feels alive in every corner. Being prepared can give you the best experience possible.
- Arrive early to claim your space: You do not need a strict plan, but aim to be in Alfama or Graça by early evening. Tables disappear fast.
- Be aware of road closures: central neighborhoods close from roughly 6 pm to midnight on June 12th, and parking is probably impossible. But check the official information for specifics.
- Wear shoes you trust: Lisbon’s hills and cobblestones can be unforgiving. Comfortable shoes are your best friend if you plan to dance in the street or wander between neighborhoods.
- Carry cash: Many food stalls and small bars still do not take cards during the festival. Having cash means you can move freely without hunting down an ATM or queueing unnecessarily.
- Start with sardines and bread: Eating sardines on bread in the street is just part of the experience. If you pace yourself, you can also try bifanas, caldo verde, and a sweet treat later on.
- Keep your bag close: Festivals attract pickpockets everywhere in the world.
- Take breaks away from the crowds: If things feel overwhelming, you can step into a quieter side street or viewpoint. Miradouros like Senhora do Monte or Portas do Sol usually have a bit more breathing room.
- Stay flexible with your route: Streets close, crowds swell, and sometimes you simply follow the flow. Be aware that your plans may change.
- Use the restroom before heading out: It is a simple thing that will save you stress. Public toilets do exist, but queues grow quickly later in the night.
Wrap-Up: St. Anthony Festival Lisbon
The St Anthony Festival in Lisbon is a great way to experience the city’s culture and traditions.
From sardines and fado to basil plants and weddings, there is a lot to see, do, and eat.
If you are planning a trip to Lisbon next June, I definitely recommend that you align your trip with the main events!
