Event Dates
From: Tuesday, June 11, 2024
To: Thursday, June 13, 2024
Santo Antonio Festival, Lisbon is one of Portugal’s most famous annual street parties attracting thousands of visitors to the capital.
Santo Antonio Festival, Lisbon is one of Portugal’s most famous annual street parties taking place each year in early June and attracting thousands of visitors to the capital.
- Visiting Lisbon? Stay in the Principe Real district, home to the best gay bars in the city and just a 5-minute drive/10-minute walk to the parade. Book the charming Alegria Boutique Hotel, with spacious rooms and a great location.
The Festival
- Lisbon’s Santo Antonio Festival is the most important annual festival in Lisbon and celebrates the life of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Lisbon, marriages and lost things.
- Historically, the event was known as “Festas dos Santos Populares,” meaning “Feasts of the Popular Saints,” but over time it has become more about street parties and a celebration of the city rather than religion.
Basil & Sardines
- Events kick off in the early afternoon with many venues serving grilled sardines while folk music fills the vibrant and colorful streets of the city.
- The event is a favorite of the newly married or singles looking for a mate! Try gifting a traditional pot of basil for some romantic luck! You can pick them up at the Santo Antonio Church nearby Alfama.
- Stay in Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest areas, are lined with shops selling traditional crafts and cafes. Passengers pack the historic no. 28 tram, which winds through Alfama on its way up to 11th-century São Jorge Castle.
- The Santiago De Alfama Boutique Hotel features rooms with breathtaking views and offers delicious breakfast options. The hotel is rated “Superb” by guests.
The Main Parade
- The highlight of the Santo Antonio Festival is the main procession where locals dress in stunning and elaborate costumes as they make their way along the Avenida da Liberdade. But this is no holy procession, this is a display that would rival carnival in Rio!
- For the best views of the parade head to the historic streets of Alfama, Bica, Bairro Alto, Castelo, and Madragoa.
- Stay close to the parade at the NH Collection Liberdade, rated “Fabulous” by guests, with spacious rooms, a beautiful outdoor pool and modern fitness centre.
- The main parade is made up of huge floats, dancers and musicians, creating a truly electric atmosphere. Locals and visitors mingle among the many restaurants in the city enjoying the traditional dishes served during the event. June 13th, the day after the main parade is a public holiday, so the post-parade parties last long into the night.
Festas dos Santos Populares, Lisbon Carnival
- June in Lisbon is the Summer party season and the Santo Antonio Festival is part of the Festas dos Santos Populares, a month-long celebration of pagan and religious beliefs.
- Aside from this highlight, plenty of other events happen all over the city, including concerts, performances, exhibitions, movie screenings, and grill parties.
- The smoky scent of grilled sardines fills Lisbon‘s air and there’s no wondering why; every few steps will place you in front of yet another grill cooking a batch of fish. You can order a platter if you’re with a group of friends and find a place to sit, but the traditional way to eat a sardine is on a slice of rustic country bread, sans utensils and while standing.
Trending Hotels in Lisbon
The following hotels are currently trending with our readers. All are close to the Santo Antonio celebrations:
Lisboa Carmo Hotel, The Lumiares Hotel & Spa HF Fenix Garden, The Late Birds Lisbon
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Book now and pay on arrival.
The Lisboa Carmo Hotel is our preferred
hotel in the city, central & great breakfasts
For further information and advice on
Santo Antonio Festival Website
The gay bars are a little spread out but taxis are cheap, we have chosen Hotels close to the gay bars that have high reviews on booking.com our hotel partner .
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We have chosen hotels in Lisbon that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
This 5-star property offers spacious suites and rooms that have bathrooms with a bathtub and shower. Suites include a living room with a workstation. Facilities include LCD TV with cable channels, minibar, and luxury and well-being amenities. Free WiFi, a fitness centre, concierge service and a 24-hour front desk. A heated infinity pool at the top of the building
Located in the heart of the city, Lisboa Carmo Hotel features luxury rooms with contemporary décor. The upper floors of the hotel offer views of the Tagus River. The popular Bairro Alto district is a 3 minutes’ walk away. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen cable TV, minibar and a private bathroom with free toiletries.
The stylish Hotel Fenix Garden is situated on the Marquês de Pombal Square in the centre of Lisbon. Eduardo VII Park and Marques Pombal Metro Station are just steps away, while the high-end shops and boutiques of Avenida da Liberdade are at a short walk. Offering bright accommodation with air-conditioned room offers free WiFi, a work desk, cable TV
Located in Bairro Alto, in the heart of Lisbon Historical center, The Late Birds Lisbon – Gay Men’s Guesthouse offers an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a sun deck and a lounge bar. Each air-conditioned room at The Late Birds Lisbon includes a computer, a cable channel TV, free WiFi access and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries.
Video Highlights of Santo Antonio Festival Lisbon
Lisbon is generally considered to be an open and LGBTQ+ friendly city. The LGBTQ+ community in Lisbon has a visible presence, and there are several neighborhoods, events, and venues that cater to and celebrate the community.
Bairro Alto is a popular nightlife district with a variety of bars and clubs, it’s known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Baixa is the historic downtown area of Lisbon, noted for its grand plazas, elegant squares, and wide boulevards.