The Lisbon festivities, the spring rendezvous organised with great pomp and ceremony!

Originally, these were rituals to celebrate the summer solstice. Popular marches began to appear in 1932. Since then, they have become a real tradition in Lisbon. The festivities culminate on the night of 12 June, the feast of Saint Anthony. The city's patron saint was born in Lisbon at the end of the twelfth century. He is worshipped by the people of Lisbon, who continue to devote great attention to him despite the passing of time.

It was in the 15th century, at the time of the Great Discoveries, that the Portuguese people recognised Saint Anthony's Portuguese nationality and made him the city's Patron Saint. For the record, the title of Patron Saint is still under debate. The two candidates are Saint Vincent and Saint Anthony. But the controversy has not prevented the people of Lisbon from venerating the two saints and celebrating in their honour throughout the city.

The whole city gets into the spirit of the event, with neighbourhoods decorating their streets with colourful garlands. Alfama and Bairro Alto are two of the most popular areas, and they don't skimp on the entertainment. The festival is in full swing between 12 and 13 June. All the districts take part in an artistic competition to create the best parade. The programme for the event is meticulously organised. Choreography, music, costumes- everything is scrutinised to try and win a prize. At present, it's the historic Alfama that holds the prize, having won the award for best fashion show more than ten times.

The popular marches take place on the night of 12 June on the Avenida da Liberdade. Each district organises its own procession around a pre-selected theme and performs a song to a choreography that has been rehearsed over several months. It's a colourful parade in which the districts compete against each other in front of the selection panel.

It's fair to say that the Portuguese have no shortage of inspiration for the show. If you're in the area, it's a real musical and visual extravaganza. You'll love it!

Other events are organised in the neighbourhoods. The Arraiais, these popular street balls, take up residence in their boroughs throughout the month. All you need is a few tables, some traditional dance music and the smell of grilled sardines to get you in the mood. Concerts, shows, exhibitions and other events are organised outside, so it's free and open to all.

The sardine is the symbol of the Lisbon festivities. This small silvery fish is delicious grilled on the barbecue! All the city's restaurants, from the smallest to the most elaborate, offer this typical delicacy on the menu during the month of June.

We recommend that you choose a restaurant that grills them in front of you. To recognise a fresh sardine, you need to look at the fish before it is grilled. If you see round, black eyes, it's perfect. As for its silvery colour, it should shine well. On the other hand, if you see a brown colour around the neck, run away!

A competition is organised prior to the event, with entrants asked to produce an original drawing of a sardine and send it to EGEAC, the organisation in charge of cultural events in the city, which will choose the 5 best creations. The lucky winners win a prize and have their sardines exhibited for the duration of the festivities. The event is expanding, with traditional Portuguese brands such as La Gondola preserves now including some of the winning sardines on their packaging.

This small tapas bar in the famous Alfama district, one of the main venues for popular fiestas, offers a simple menu but quality food, with many Portuguese specialities.

Marjoram or the traditional manjerico is a plant from the basil family, more commonly known as the "lovers' herb". During popular celebrations, it is customary for boys to give a small pot of marjoram adorned with a carnation made of coloured paper, to which a flag has been affixed with a verse on the theme of love.

Another tradition that is still very much alive today is Saint Anthony's Day weddings. Since 1958, a few lucky couples who don't have the financial means have been able to get married on 12 June. The town draws lots for around fifteen couples and offers them the chance to marry for free. The city's partners will cover all the costs associated with the ceremony, from the wedding dress to the stag party. Many Lisboners and even tourists attend the event, which takes place in Sé cathedral.

13 June is dedicated to the religious procession in honour of Saint Anthony. This time, a more solemn procession takes place in the area around Sé cathedral. This is a great opportunity to see the faithful residents waiting at their windows for the statue to pass in front of them so that they can say their prayers.