Wednesday, June 13, 2012

(The Afternoon Before) The Largest Popular Festivity In Lisbon: St. Anthony Day's Eve, June 13 (1 of 5)





Alfama district, Lisbon

The month of June is party time in Lisbon! One of Portugal’s most popular saints, Santo António (Saint Anthony of Padua), was a Fransiscan friar canised by the Catholic Church in record time, one year after his death (on June 13, 1232). Many miracles have been attributed to him and he is considered a protector of the souls of purgatory, guardian of good marriages, defender of animals, healer, and advocate of lost objects. On the eve of June 13th Lisbon (and in all of Portugal) turns into one big party, the craziest night of the year! (The Lisbon Connection)

The night is filled with parades, live music, dancing and eating on the streets: grilled sardines, pepper salad, red wine and sangria (lots of wine and sangria!) are a must. The places to go are the city's poor neighbourhoods, especially the centuries old district of Alfama.

I left much before the party begins, when things were still being set for the night. Can you imagine thousands of people, mostly drunk, singing and shouting going up and down these labyrinthic streets until dawn? I don't go there at night, however I had much fun in my teen years. Actually, it's a major tourist attraction and foreigners love it.

33 comments:

Dina said...

Happy Santo António day!

The Franciscan friars here in Jerusalem are celebrating today too.

Cezar and Léia said...

Realmente lindo!A primeira foto é maravilhosa, as janelas decoradas são adoraveis!
Léia

Kate said...

I wonder how Santo Antonio would react to this festival?

Kathy said...

It sounds much like our Mardi Gras!

VP said...

I often do the same: I take pictures of the preparations and get away in time!
I wonder how the Saint would feel about this kind of celebrations...

Lowell said...

Such a deal! Such a saint! Saint's alive! Lisbon's alive!

Looks somewhat like Christmas here. Although it sounds like a lot more fun. Sorta. I'll bet it brings a bunch of extra money for the local merchants!

I think a lot of so-called "holiday celebrations" here would die out if it weren't for merchants pushing and publicizing their goods!

Halcyon said...

I love all the colorful decorations! Must be a really fun feast day. :)

Unknown said...

Catholics know how to party!

Wayne said...

It's really colorful. It's a shame that it has turned into a tourist event, that tends to ruin the original spirit.

brattcat said...

looks and sounds like fun but you are probably wise to leave before it gets too crazy.

Olivier said...

c'est noel avant l'heure, belle fete toute en couleur

Valladolid Daily Photo said...

There is no denying it's a very colorful festival. Thanks for sharing.

ArtandArchitecture-SF.com said...

It looks like a lot of fun, but I agree sometimes it is much more fun to go, watch and photograph the festivities when the crowds have yet to descend and then celebrate quietly at home. Great, great shots, makes one want to join the celebration. Feliz Santo Antonio Dia!

Sharon said...

Sounds like a good time for all and the photos all look very festive.

TexWisGirl said...

it truly sounds like New Orleans on Fat Tuesday.

Sylvia K said...

It does indeed look like fun, but like you, I probably would have enjoyed it a lot more in my much younger years!! Love your wonderful, colorful captures and thanks for the history/background of the day! Hope your week is going well, JM! Enjoy!

Sylvia

Fernando Santos (Chana) said...

Excelentes fotografias de Alfama....
Cumprimentos

PerthDailyPhoto said...

It looks a little like the 'calm before the storm' JM. Can just imagine what it will look like tomorrow night!

Carolina Louback said...

Como ficam enfeitadas as ruas! De fato um povo animado para festejar Sto Antonio. Aqui a animação é para comemorar o dia dos namorados, festejado nesta data. Restaurantes e motéis tudo lotado.

cieldequimper said...

Now that is what I call festive!

RedPat said...

I've said many a prayer to St Anthony when looking for lost things - sometimes it helps.

Even more celebrations if Portugal wins this football game against the Danes!

Unknown said...

@RedPat: ... And Portugal won the game! LOL!

Jack said...

The decorations are so colorful. A wonderful setting for a party.

Congratulatins on Portugal's big win.

Kay said...

It looks like there's going to be quite a party. I don't blame you for your "click and run" approach to it.

I worked with someone who, when something got lost, would say, "Tony, Tony turn around. Something's lost that must be found." I'd always thought of him as a protector of animals and a healer. He's quite an all purpose saint, isn't he?

Randy said...

What fun. It looks so festive.

Anonymous said...

The streets look so delightfully festive! Lovely shots.

Babzy.B said...

never heard of this big party before , it must be fun , but i appreciate the quiet pic ;)

PeterParis said...

Some festivites (and the foot) obviously help to improve the general mood! Good!!

Arija said...

Like Carnival in Germany. In Latvia our biggest festival is on St.John's eve, harking back to pagan summer solstice.

Thank you for being such a good and supportive friend and feeding me on comments. Times have been a little tough lately.

orvokki said...

It looks like you'll have very fun and happyness.
Beautifull.

Joan Elizabeth said...

I just reviewed your three posts on this and it certainly looks like a fun festive time for all, even for the ones who arrive and leave early :-)

Mildred said...

Obrigada pela partilha de todas as lindas fotos da festa de Sto António!
Quem me dera poder assistir in loco!

***
Um beijo e feliz domingo****

Dom said...

Wow... looks like an awesome festival. The restaurant in the yard looks lovely!