Lisbon’s Santos Populares (Popular Saints) have already begun, and with them their fun-filled festivities! The Lisbon Festivities have already begun in some neighborhoods, where concerts and food and drink stalls are a fundamental part of this great party in the city.
From now on, every day is a party day , and the highlight will be the charismatic and always fun – but also chaotic – night of June 12th.
We don’t want you to miss anything at these parties, nor do we want you to despair at the confusion. So check out these tips to make the most of Lisbon’s Santos Populares.
Food
The main “delicacy” is the beautiful grilled sardine. Alternatively, you have the bifanas or the chouriço assado.
But it’s best to start the evening with the typical caldo verde. In some arraiais, you can also find vegetarian dishes.
Drink
There’s no mistaking it here: beer and wine are king. And when the evening is in full swing, a ginjinha also fits well.
Music
This is the perfect time to keep up to date with the latest trends in pimba and danceable popular music.
Everyone dances with everyone! It doesn’t matter if the music is Portuguese, Brazilian or Spanish, the important thing is to dance until the party is over.
Confusion
Santos Populares in Lisbon are only really popular if there’s a lot of confusion, aren’t they? So it’s best to assume that you’re really going to be in the middle of the mess. Because at this time of year, the whole city takes to the streets.
Even so, if you want to escape the avalanche of people, it’s best to look for the less crowded parties outside the city’s historic center, such as the Parque das Nações, or even Alvalade.
It should also be noted that many of these venues have not yet updated their festive program for this year.
Queues
If there’s confusion, there’ll be queues, as you know! Queues to order food, queues to buy another beer, queues to go to the toilet.
Here it’s best to use the public toilets, which are scattered throughout the arraiais. Alternatively, you can always go to some cafés, which stay open late.
What to bring from home
During Santos Populares in Lisbon, it’s very common for the ATMs to run out of cash. So, stuff your wallet with some change before you leave the house. Although many places already use MB Way, it’s not guaranteed!
You should also take cell phone battery at 100%, because you’re sure to get lost from your friends and run into other friends you haven’t seen in a while.
What’s more, you’ll want to record every moment. And of course, good mood and a great desire to dance and socialize until the early hours.
Whatever plan you choose for these days, make the most of it because it will pass quickly and then, only next year!
Guia para os Santos Populares em Lisboa: as festas e os arraiais