Are you ready for the big party? There's coloured paper maché decorating balconies, images with Saint Anthony, basel vases with poems... Wow! The city is even more beautiful!!! Now it's time to honour our beloved Santo António.
Usually in every Portuguese grandma's house, there's a small Saint Anthony statue on top of the old TV, or if she's a very religious person, sitting next to an image of Fátima, Jesus, the cross, a picture with the Pope (not the German pope...sorry!), the sacred family... Santo António is the patron saint of Lisbon as he was born by the Sé, and the only dispute we have with the Italians besides who plays better football (we, of course!), is that we claim he's our saint... period. In fact, he travelled to Italy and eventually died in Pádua... Ooops!
He's also a "matchmaker" - hopefully you'll find someone willing to share (not your entire life, I'm afraid. No miracles here!) the night with you and have fun. If you've heard about saints' statues without heads, it's because someone asked for a favour... but the saint was occupied and didn't listen to their prayers. Well... Italians do it too.
The festival usually includes a huge parade, concerts, cinema, mass weddings, sailing and other sports... and of course: Arraiais. The best definition of arraial is: Popular music playing loud while you're dancing and grabbing some grilled sardines on top of bread in one hand and a glass of red wine in the other!
Find your way with 208 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Lavra Funicular" in Lisbon may not be as fun to ride as others, but it's the most charming and quiet public transport in the city. It's my favorite...
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"Lisbon’s Retro Typography" is in danger, so I invite you to take pictures of the colorful kitsch lettering & nonsense names before they're gone forever...
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"Pastelaria Aloma" is a place where you get find the best pastéis de nata I'd argue! This spot has an interesting story to tell in regards to their recipe.
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"Carvoaria Jacto" Lisbon is where I loved to go to back then when I was a meat-lover. This nice restaurant perfectly cooks meat to satisfy your meat crave.
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"Muro Azul" in Lisbon, or the 'Blue Wall', is a hidden mural commissioned by a partnership between the Psychiatric hospital and the Urban Art Gallery...
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The staff is super nice. Service is fast. Ambient music is pleasant. And most important of all - it delivers a variety of delicious brunch packs.
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Magokoro translates to "sincerity, pure heart, uprightness", and deliver a variety of very delicious ramen. For dessert, Mochi. And to drink - Asahi beer.
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"Mãe D'Água Amoreiras Reservoir"" a jewel unknown to tourists. It's Lisbon's old reservoir - noawadays, it's a Water Temple. I always almost jump inside...
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"Casa dos Passarinhos": an honest neighborhood restaurant in Lisbon specialised in traditional & good Portuguese cuisine. Just give me their Açorda shrimp.
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The cantina at Lisbon's Radha Krishna Hindu Temple has some of the best hot, healthy, delicious Indian food around. I recommend you get some laddu to-go!
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The "Cape Verdean Association" in Lisbon is rather simple, but the food is gorgeous and very tasty. If you dare, go on a Tuesday or Thursday for music...
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Lisbon in June is a truly beautiful sight because of the blooming jacaranda trees everywhere. I believe it's the best time to visit the city.
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208 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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