Saint Jonh's Day- "São João"

The typical Festivities of Porto take place in June and reach the highest point on the night of the 23^rd to the 24^th(Saint John’s Day – “São João” in Portuguese). The festivity of Saint John is one of the most important cultural expressions of the Portuguese people. On the 23^rd June, the city “descends upon the Baixa (downtown) and its River” until dawn. The main streets are dotted by small stands selling basils and there is a Saint John cascade every where and there to celebrate the tradition that remains since the 19^th century. Everyone is out in the streets, taking part in lively “rusgas”, striking each other with small and big plastic hammers or making other people smell the famous “alho porro” (leek). Jumping the bonfire, tasting the roasted sardines and the potato and cabbage broth is also part of the festivity. The hot-air balloons, and the fireworks at midnight are the highest point of the festivities of Saint John. This popular festivity is also celebrated in Braga, my hometown.