Saint Anthony, Saint John and Saint Peter
As in many other Portuguese towns and cities, June is a special month in Tavira, marked by the celebration of the Popular Saints – Santo António (Saint Anthony), São João (Saint John) and São Pedro (Saint Peter). The celebrations will feature a series of traditions and festivities involving the entire community. As well as being moments of religious celebration, these events transform the city into what is effectively a stage for good cheer, encounters and, of course, lots of delicious food.
Saint Anthony (13 June): The Matchmaker
On the 13th, the city pays homage to Saint Anthony, a Portuguese saint who died in 1231 and was known as the “matchmaking saint”. The festivities include processions, masses and an open-air party next to Saint Anthony’s Church in Tavira, which will be specially decorated for the occasion. Traditionally believed to protect marriages, Saint Anthony arouses great devotion among the faithful who pray for blessings in their love life and for their families. This period is an invitation to celebrate and reflect on marital and family well-being.
Saint John (24 June): Municipal Holiday
The most anticipated date is the 24th of June, Saint John the Baptist’s Day, when Tavira transforms and celebrates its municipal holiday. The streets are embellished with festive decorations, bonfires light up the night and the festivities revolve around open-air parties. There is food and drink everywhere, especially grilled sardines, a typical delicacy that is a must during these celebrations. Since ancient times, the night from the 23rd to the 24th of June has been considered a “magical night” in Tavira. It is a night when extraordinary things might happen, such as the appearance of the “Enchanted Moorish Maiden” in Tavira Castle, as well as divination, spells and treasures.
Saint Peter (29 June): The Patron Saint of Fishermen
Bringing the month to a close, the 29th sees Tavira pay homage to Saint Peter, the first bishop of the Church and patron saint of fishermen. This day, a holiday in many Portuguese cities, is celebrated less effusively in Tavira than the two earlier festive dates, marking the end of the Popular Saints festivities.
Throughout the June festivities, traditions such as jumping over bonfires and the offering of small vases of basil, accompanied by written quatrains, often with a love theme, persist, which is unsurprising, given that the origin of these festivities is connected to the summer solstice and ancient fertility rituals.
Tavira celebrates not only the Popular Saints, but also the richness and diversity of its culinary culture, as essential as the celebrations themselves. Tables are set out under the Algarve sky and the Mediterranean Diet flourishes, as revellers enjoy flavourful traditional dishes. There are snails, tuna belly, fried fish, grilled sardines, clams, gazpacho to quench your thirst on hot days and plenty of fresh fruit to accompany each meal. And all of this is served with good wine, completing a festive setting that involves far more than just sitting down and eating.
Fresh local products that are harvested in season are the ancient secret of the Mediterranean Diet.
