From Lisbon's historic neighbourhoods to fishing communities along the coast, streets will fill with music, decorations, food stalls and thousands of people gathering to celebrate the country's popular saints.

The festivities, which take place throughout the month, honour Saint Anthony, Saint John and Saint Peter. While rooted in religious tradition, Santos Populares has evolved into a nationwide celebration known for its lively street parties, communal dining and strong sense of community.

The first major celebration arrives on the night of 12 June, when Lisbon marks Saint Anthony's Day. The city's streets become the stage for parades, music and festivities that continue well into the early hours. Saint Anthony, born in Lisbon in 1195, remains one of Portugal's most beloved saints and is traditionally associated with love and marriage.

Attention then turns north to Porto for São João on 23 June. Considered one of the country's largest festivals, the event draws thousands of revellers to the city's streets for concerts, fireworks and the well-known tradition of playfully tapping people on the head with plastic hammers.

The celebrations conclude on 29 June with Saint Peter's Day, which is particularly important in fishing communities across Portugal. Processions, street parties and communal meals are organised in honour of the patron saint of fishermen.

Santos Populares at Hyatt Regency Vilamoura

The Algarve also joins the festivities, with several towns hosting their own arraiais (traditional Portuguese street festivals) throughout the month. In Vilamoura, Hyatt Regency Vilamoura has scheduled two Santos Populares dinners for 12 and 23 June.

The hotel will serve a buffet inspired by traditional arraial food, including grilled sardines, caldo verde, bifanas, grilled horse mackerel, piri-piri chicken, and a selection of traditional desserts.

The dinners are priced at €35 per person and include beer during the meal. According to the hotel, the events are intended to recreate the atmosphere of a traditional Portuguese Santos Populares celebration.