“São João, São João, give me a balloon to play with…,” goes the famous song. Indeed, the longest night of the year in Porto is just around the corner . However , if you’re thinking of joining in the tradition of releasing balloons, there are a few rules you need to keep in mind .
As in previous years, the release of São João balloons will only be permitted between 9:45 p.m. on June 23 and 1:00 a.m. on June 24.
According to information released by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC), as cited on the Porto City Council’s website, the airspace over Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport will be closed during this period.
“A safety hazard”
According to ANAC, as cited by the same source mentioned above, the balloons—or hot-air lanterns, as they are also known:
The São João Festival Program
The São João Festivities will fill the streets of Porto with dozens of concerts, street performances, and entertainment. The main night will feature a 12-minute fireworks and multimedia show over the Douro River, between the Luís I Bridge and the Arrábida Bridge. Before the countdown to midnight, the Ribeira stage will host a performance by the duo Karetus.
The event will take place at other central locations throughout the city. On Avenida dos Aliados , the 2026 World Cup match between Portugal and Uzbekistan will be broadcast, followed by performances by Quinta do Bill and Tony Carreira. D.A.M.A . will perform at Largo Amor de Perdição, while iconic neighborhoods such as Fontainhas and Foz will host the traditional community water fountains, carousels, and food courts.
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