Festivals & Holidays: Practise Portuguese at São João and Beyond

Why June Is the Perfect Time to Immerse in Portuguese Culture

June in Portugal is bursting with music, food, and joy. From the fireworks of São João in Porto to Lisbon’s sardine-scented streets during Santo António, festivals offer the perfect setting to practise your Portuguese in real-life settings.

Whether you’re new to Portugal or improving your A2-level skills, cultural immersion deepens your connection to the language.

São João Porto

What Is São João?

Held every 23–24 June, São João is Porto’s largest street festival. Expect:

• Grilled sardines and caldo verde

• Plastic hammer battles (yes, really)

• Live folk music and dancing

• Fireworks over the Douro River

Phrase tip:

“Bom São João!” — Happy São João! “Onde é a festa?” — Where’s the party?

Reference: VisitPorto

Other Must-Know June Festivals

Festival	City	Dates
Santo António	Lisbon	June 12–13
São Pedro	Various towns	June 28–29
Festas de Lisboa	Lisbon	All month

Each celebration includes marchas populares (neighborhood parades), traditional clothing, and music—all ideal for passive language exposure.

🇵🇹 Learn Festival-Ready Portuguese

At events, you’ll hear informal, high-frequency expressions. The PLA course includes cultural modules and vocabulary for:

• Greeting locals

• Ordering at food stalls

• Asking for directions

• Singing along to traditional songs

📢 Mid-Article CTA:🎓 Ready to join the party—and understand what people are saying? The July PLA course helps you learn fast.Enroll now →

Tips for Practising Portuguese at Festivals

✅ Watch and repeat common greetings

✅ Ask locals about foods: “O que é isto?” (What is this?)

✅ Try a simple intro: “Sou novo(a) em Portugal” (I’m new in Portugal)

Even small efforts go a long way and are often met with smiles and support.

Local Resources

• VisitPortugal – Official Tourism Site

• City Hall Event Pages:

  • Câmara Municipal do Porto

  • Câmara Municipal de Lisboa

Related Articles

• Understanding Portugal’s Cultural Landscape

• PLA Course – Language & Culture Immersion

FAQs

Q: Do I need to speak Portuguese to enjoy festivals?

A: No, but knowing a few words adds to the fun and helps connect with locals.

Q: What should I bring to São João?

A: Comfortable shoes, cash, a plastic hammer, and your curiosity!

Q: Is the PLA course just about grammar?

A: No—PLA includes real-life scenarios, including cultural events and conversations.