A lot of people know that Porto’s São João Night is a true city party – throughout the whole night, thousands of people invade the streets and either stay in one particular spot drinking and dancing or walk around until the sun rises. One way or the other there’s banging on strangers’ heads with colourful plastic hammers and hoping for the best when balloons are spotted flying through the air. What a lot of people don’t know is that this is originally a Midsummer celebration and that the festivities can start way before the sun sets...
My São João started in the morning with a visit to "Palácio do Freixo", a building, which reminds us of the city’s industrial past. Afterwards, we made a move to "Quinta de Villar d’Allen", a magnificent manor house from the XIX century.
We made our way through the lush gardens while being introduced to numerous plant species, which were unknown in Portugal two centuries ago. And as the predominant green unfolded into fountains, streams and colourful flowers, I couldn’t help but thinking that this was my chance to be a part of the Romantic era – even if only for a short while.
After being served white port wine and appetisers, we stepped inside the house for the main course and dessert, the later accompanied by an exquisite red port wine produced by the Allens. It should be noted that the house still shows the original decor, including furniture purchased in the first international exhibitions.
Shortly after a coffee by the gardens and a quick visit to the wine cellar, it was time to go back home and have the day’s only acceptable dinner – roasted sardines. After this, the night’s wandering began – we crossed one of the city’s most emblematic bridges, "Ponte D. Luis", on foot and made our way to the best possible place to watch the fireworks.
Since we got there early, we had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful view of Porto by night, as well as to contemplate a huge amount of balloons painting the sky orange. Soon enough the fireworks began – and we couldn’t help but understand the reasons why they are considered one of the best in the world. After walking some more and joining in the street celebrations in "Miragaia", we decided to call it a night; and a day. And what a night it was; and what a day...
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