Lisbon's Longest Night: A Spectacle of Culture and Celebration Awaits

Lisbon is ready for the most vibrant 24 hours of the year. On June 12, 16 couples will celebrate their weddings at the Santo António Marriages, the Popular Marches will parade down Avenida da Liberdade, and the city will dance at the Arraiais until sunrise.

The Festivities Begin with Weddings

The celebration kicks off with the Casamentos de Santo António. The civil ceremony (with five couples) is scheduled for 11 AM at the City Hall, and the religious ceremony (with 11 couples) at 2 PM at the Sé Cathedral. These moments will be unforgettable for both the couples and the spectators.

Marches Descend the Avenue

After being cheered by 20,000 people at the MEO Arena, the Popular Marches will parade down Avenida da Liberdade, in the most anticipated spectacle of Lisbon. This year, the avenue will feature decorative lighting in the shape of a festoon, "to make these Marches the most magical ever," says the EGEAC.

The parade opens with the Macau Street Dance group, performing the Golden Fish Lantern Dance, followed by the marches of Lisbon Schools, A Voz do Operário, the Markets, and Santa Casa. Then, the 20 competing marches will portray Lisbon's neighborhoods through costumes, music, and choreography in a unique spectacle.

Concert and Book Fair

Another highlight of the Festivals is Carminho's concert at São Jorge Castle on June 15. Accompanied by André Dias (Portuguese guitar), Flávio Cardoso (fado viola), Pedro Geraldes (lap steel guitar and electric guitar), Tiago Maia (acoustic bass), and João Pimenta Gomes (mellotron), the fado singer will take the stage at Praça de Armas for a free concert that will eternalize her relationship with Lisbon.

The Book Fair continues to animate Eduardo VII Park until June 21, with talks, workshops for the whole family, exhibition catalog launches, and celebrations of the 150th anniversary of the most cherished Portuguese caricature: Zé Povinho, by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro.

This year, between June 14 and 22, EuroPride sets up in the city for the first time. Talks, concerts, workshops, exhibitions, performances, and sports activities in various locations are part of this celebration of LGBTI+ pride.