São João

“São João” is a traditional and popular celebration of the city of Porto that happens every year on the night of the 23rd to the 24th of June. People gather with their friends throughout the city and eat, drink and celebrate together the beginning of summer and the city itself. It is also a tradition to have a “martelinho” (a colorful plastic hammer) to go around and lightly hit strangers in the head so the hammer makes its typical noise.

The most characteristic dish is grilled sardines on bread. The city is decorated with colorful flags, and there are several stages scattered around where popular music (known as "pimba") is played, and where local artists are also invited to perform.

Throughout the night, hot air balloons are released, illuminating the sky in a magical spectacle, and at midnight, people gather on the banks of the Douro River to watch the fireworks display.

For the inhabitants of Porto, this is considered the best night and the best celebration of the year, and with this illustration I wanted to convey a bit of the celebrated feeling!