São João in Braga (Guide 2026)

Every June, the city of Braga comes alive with music, parades, traditions, and religious celebrations for São João, one of Portugal’s most beloved festivals. Combining centuries-old customs and modern entertainment, the festivities attract thousands of locals and tourists.

From the iconic Gigantones and Cabeçudos to lively markets, concerts, parades, and fireworks, São João in Braga offers a unique opportunity to experience Portuguese culture.

In this guide, you’ll discover the origins of the festival, its main traditions, the highlights of the 2026 program, and practical tips to make the most out of your visit.

Who was São João or Saint John?

Saint John the Baptist is one of the most important figures in Christianity. He is best known for baptizing Jesus Christ.

In Portugal, Saint John is known as São João, and his feast day is celebrated on June 24th. The festival originated as a religious celebration in honor of Saint John the Baptist, but over the centuries it incorporated older midsummer traditions associated with the summer solstice, resulting in the lively festivities seen today.

The main celebrations take place on the night of June 23rd. Cities and towns across the country hold street parties (Arraiais) like those that happen in Saint Anthony.

You will be able to watch concerts, firework displays, and traditional festivities. The most famous São João celebrations take place in Braga and Porto. Let’s learn about the Braga festivities in the next sections!

São João in Braga: Traditions

Date: 17th to 24th of June

Gigantones and Cabeçudos

On June 19th and 20th, Braga will once again be the capital of the Gigantones and Cabeçudos. Gigantones and cabeçudos are tall, traditional figures deeply rooted in Portuguese folklore. These giants date back to the 13th century and some say they represented the vices, sin, and demonic forces that the Sacramented Christ was able to overcome.

Nowadays, Gigantones and Cabeçudos often depict politicians, celebrities, characters from Portuguese history, and other well-known public figures, adding a modern and humorous touch to the tradition. They also appear in Carnaval celebrations.

Braga will welcome the 35th edition of the International Gathering of Gigantones and Cabeçudos, with 35 groups from Portugal and Spain. The big parade is on Saturday night (June 20th). See the full program at the end.

Food in São João de Braga

These are the most traditional foods and dishes you will find in this festival:

• Caldo Verde (soup with chorizo and vegetables)
• Grilled sardines
• Farturas (fried dough sprinkled with sugar and/or sugar, similar to churros)

Toy Hammers and Leek Flowers

One of the most recognizable symbols of São João is the toy hammer, known in Portuguese as a martelinho. During the festivities, people playfully tap friends, family members, and even strangers on the head with colorful plastic hammers. So, next time you go out at night, especially on the 23rd, expect to receive some gentle taps (and some not so gentle) with toy hammers on your head.

Some people opt for leek flowers (alho-porro). Before the toy hammers were introduced, people used leek flowers to tap each other on the head or face.

Main Locations & Events

June 17th

• 9:30 PM to 10 PM – “Bring your Concertina”: Gathering of concertina players from all over the Minho region (Location: Parque da Ponte)
• 10 PM – “Let there be light”: Thousands of decorative lights illuminate the city’s streets, marking the beginning of the festivities. (Location: Avenida Central)

June 18th

• 4PM (until 30th of June, 6PM) – “São João Through the Lens of Color Blindness”: On this day, a new and interesting exhibition invites the public to view popular festivals through the lens of accessibility and inclusion. Dedicated to the first popular festival certified under the ColorADD system. (Location: Palácio do Raio)
• 9:30 PM – Concert “Funky Friends” : The band welcomes the public to sing, dance, and immerse themselves in a musical journey through funk, pop, and soul! (Location: Parque da Ponte)
• 9:30 PM – Concert “Orchestra of Traditional String Instruments from Minho”: A celebration of traditional Minho music, joined by sounds from violas, cavaquinhos, braguesas, and other Portuguese string instruments. (Location: Avenida Central)

June 19th

• 10:00 PM – Concerto “Daniel Pereira Cristo & Guests / Malva Globo” : a brand-new show celebrating the diversity of Portuguese independent music. (Location: Avenida Central)
• 11 PM – Concert, cultural gathering, and the “Os Cabeçudos” project, featuring DJs Slamtype and Cozta (Location: Avenida Central)

June 20th

• 9:30 AM – “Braga Capital of Cavaquinho”: Performances by various cavaquinho groups at the largest event of its kind in Portugal (Location: Largo de São Francisco)
• 12 PM (noon) – Rodopiada de Gigantones e Cabeçudos: A shorter daytime version where the giant figures perform and interact with spectators. (Praça da República)
• 9:30 PM – Parade “XXXV Cortejo Internacional de Gigantones e Cabeçudos”: A colorful parade featuring giant traditional figures, musicians, and groups from Portugal and abroad. (Praça do Município)

June 21st

• 12:30 AM (midnight) until 2 AM – Dj Concerts: another concert in the Avenida Central that promises a vibrant party with djs.

• 4:30 PM – Etnographic Parade – A celebration of the traditions and customs of the people of Minho and São João de Braga, featuring a parade of various performances organized by the municipality’s folk groups. (Location: Arco da Porta Nova,  Rua D. Diogo de Sousa, 5, Braga, Braga, Portugal)
• 8:00 PM – Parade of the folk groups participating in the São João de Braga Folk Festival (start at the Arco da Porta Nova, through historic streets of Braga), followed by a concert in Avenida Central at 9:30 PM.

June 22nd

• 9:00 PM – Concert “Let’s sing São João” by the Cultural Association “Os Sinos da Fé” (Location: Largo São Francisco)
• 9:30 PM – Concert “UM is coming to São João” – University of Minho Students will be performing, singing and playing songs. (Parque da Ponte and Avenida Central)

June 23rd

• 10 AM to noon – Official opening of the São João de Braga Festivities: On the morning of the 23rd, the Procession of the Stewardship or Festival Association arrives at the Praça Municipal, attended by the city’s highest-ranking civil, ecclesiastical, and military officials. This solemn ceremony begins with the anthems of Braga and São João and concludes with the release of a giant balloon, fireworks, and the festive ringing of the city’s church bells.
• 11 AM to 1PM – Concert: Philharmonic Orchestra (Location: Largo do Paço)

• 11:30 PM: Arraiais and Parties in several points of the city of Braga.

June 24th

• 1 AM – Fireworks! A spectacular session of fireworks is going to light up the skies in different colors, launched from Monte do Picoto.
• 1:30 AM – Concert “Siga a Farra (Join the Party)” (Location: Parque da Ponte)
• 2:00 AM – Dj Concerts until 5AM (Location: Avenida Central)

• 5:15 PM – Acclamation of the flowers: As the litter of St. John the Baptist passes by, the Hymn of St. John of Braga is sung, while spectators watch the traditional Flower Acclamation. (Location: Largo do Paço)
• 11:30 PM – Firework Show to End São João Festivities: after Miguel Araújo concert, there is a firework session in Avenida Central.

(any questions, please leave them down below 😉)

Other cities and towns that celebrate São João

Essential Tips for Celebrating São João

• Book accommodation early: São João is one of the biggest festivals in Northern Portugal and hotels can sell out weeks in advance.
• Expect large crowds: The streets of both Porto and Braga become extremely busy during the celebrations. Popular areas, riverside zones, concert venues, and historic centers can be packed with people, especially from late afternoon to early hours of the morning (especially on June 23rd and 24th).
• Protect your belongings: As with any large festival, crowded areas can attract pickpockets.
• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear: You may spend several hours walking, standing, and moving through crowded streets. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
• Check the weather: Even though, June is usually warm, it can get slightly chilly some days, especially in coastal cities like Porto. So, check the weather beforehand and see if you’ll need a light jacket.
• Stay hydrated: Celebrations often last late into the night. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if temperatures are high or if you are consuming alcoholic beverages.
• See which transport is best for you: Public transport can be an option, especially if there are road closures, traffic congestion, and limited parking. Check schedules in advance, as some services operate special festival timetables.

Make sure you have fun and be careful with crowds. Expect a lot of people this year!

(article may be updated with more information)