Santos Populares is coming to an end. Most of the Arraials ended this weekend (a few still go on until the 30th).
We were able to visit five over the last few weeks (still hoping to get to one or two more this week). Each one had such a different “vibe”, so it was always a new experience: Vila Berta’s is like an old fashioned neighborhood block party; Santos at Doca de Marinho’s is all about concerts; Graça’s is more like a community festival; Santo Antonio’s was definitely the most laid-back; Alfama’s was the biggest, but didn’t seem overwhelming because there were different “retiros” (retreats) which made it feel like several mini-festivals.
Grilling Sardines and Sausages in Alfama
Near Retiro de Pipi’s in Alfama
I loved Vila Berta’s T-shirts. I have to pay more attention to each neighborhood’s different designs next year!
Santo Antonio’s (in Praça da Alegria) held their first Concurso Ilustração (Illustration Contest) and the outer fence of the park now features banners with all the entries. While most of the artists are from Portugal, artists from countries such as Italy, Serbia, Iraq, Brazil, Lithuania, and more are represented and they all have unique takes on the standard image of Saint Anthony.
Visited Cascais for a month with Spanish in-laws. The most beautiful city and people ever. I could have just stayed🥰