Friday, June 13, 2014

St. Anthony's Day


One of Portugal’s most popular saints, Santo António (Saint Anthony of Padua), a Fransiscan friar, is Lisbon's patron. On June 13th's eve, the city turns into one big party, the craziest night of the year.
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. Thousands of people, dance, sing and shout, going up and down the labyrinthic streets until dawn. 

The national flag is everywhere, meaning the Soccer World Cup madness is set up. You can even see a Portuguese Team scarf hanging between the balconies. Portugal has its first game (vs. Germany) next Monday.

22 comments:

Lucy Corrander : Photos said...

Sounds great fun - but overwhelming too. Good luck in the World Cup.

Sami said...

It's a great time to be in Lisbon! Good luck to Portugal with the world cup!

Sharon said...

Sounds like one big party!

Planet said...

Hope everyone got lots of Basil plants.
Boa Sorte a Portugal!

TexWisGirl said...

how wonderful! i hope everyone has a great time and stays safe.

Sylvia K said...

So colorful and what fun!! I'd love to be there to celebrate with them!! Have a great weekend, Jose!!

Halcyon said...

This must be a lot of fun!
Sorry we will have to be enemies for a few hours on Monday. Don't take it personally... ;-)

Stefan Jansson said...

Sounds like fantastic evening. I hope to be there one year.

RedPat said...

There are Portugal flags flying all over our city especially on cars. I wonder if there will be celebrations here for St Anthony since everyone seems to be totally caught up in the World Cup.

Photo Cache said...

back in the phil i remember tuesdays are st. anthony's days. that's when we go to st. anthony's church and attend the novena. yes, it's the feast day today.

Babzy.B said...

A moment to remember all the Tony , Antonio or Antoine i know :) Happy party !

VP said...

A feast of colors! I just remembered that the Portuguese church in Rome is dedicated to Saint Anthony...

Tanya Breese said...

how fun and i really like the festive photo!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a fun celebration.

Randy said...

Looks festive. I normally don't like soccer but watching the World Cup today was exciting.

Petrea Burchard said...

A joyous photo! Now I know the best time to visit Lisbon.

LOLfromPasa said...

Has a definite 'party time' feel in your shot. Love it!

Lowell said...

There's a wild time in the old town tonight! I remember this day from previous posts. Love all the colors.

I don't think folks living in the area of all the reveling would get much sleep, though...even if they tried. :)

Kay said...

It sounds like a great collision of reasons to celebrate. Good luck at the World Cup!

Stickup Artist said...

Looks and sounds like a lot of fun. Love those colorful paper flowers.

Hilda said...

Sounds like a crazy party. I wonder if St Anthony would have approved.

orvokki said...

Happy day.