Tavira Day and the Feast of São João

June 24th is the annual day to celebrate the city of Tavira, which is 502 years old having been founded in 1520.  It is also a day to celebrate St. John (São João) with feasts throughout Portugal, particularly in Porto, where he is the patron saint.  

At midnight in Tavira, fireworks rang in the beginning of the Feast of São João.  Free grilled sardines were served along the banks of the River Gilao.  Dancing and music were a nightly event, lasting well into the evenings.  

Ukrainian folk dancers