São João celebration still going on. There are lots of things to do this weekend in Porto!
So the biggest night out in Porto is over (and we hope you have enjoyed!), but the celebration atmosphere continues! There are a lot of activities to attend this weekend in Porto. Check our tips on where to go and what to do in Porto in the next couple of days:
On Saturday 24th, Porto’s riverside area is the place to be! Following the tradition, the Douro river will be scenario of a great show: the 34nd edition of the Rabelo Boats Racing! The rabelo boats representing the most prestigious wine companies will be competing for the first place!
Rabelo boats were used for centuries to transport wine from the upper Douro Valley to the winecellars in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Since the 1960’s, they are only used for leisure, but the owners of the wine companies want to keep them alive! The event is organized by the Port Wine Brotherhood together with the city council. It will start at 3 pm and the finish line will be at D. Luiz Bridge!
And on this Saturday night, Aliados Avenue will be the stage of the last public concert part of the São João festivities. At 10 pm, Marta Ren & The Groovelvets will start the night, followed at 23:30 by Clã, with Manuela Azevedo. This is a great opportunity to discover portuguese music while enjoying Porto’s “living room”!
On Sunday 25th, more traditions to check! The “Rusgas de São João” gather Porto’s neighborhood associations on a parade, competing to see who has the best set – the teams are avaliated on costumes, props, songs and coreography! This traditions started on 1957 and was recently recovered by the city council.
This year, the parade will gather 1.135 participants, starting as 6 pm at Batalha Square – the route includes Santa Catarina Street, Passos Manuel Street and Aliados Avenue, ending in front of the city hall. The parade marks the end of the São João festivities, so don’t miss it!
As you can see, São João is a BIG thing in Porto! If you want to learn more about the city’s traditions and history, book a tour with us! We will gladly share our knowledge and inside tips with you :)
