In the city of Quarteira, preparations are being finalized for the Popular Saints festival. On June 12th, 23rd, and 28th, the Popular Marches parade will take to the streets, and Passeio das Dunas will be the chosen venue for the event for the second year, starting at 9:00 p.m.
This year, six marches are participating. Onda Jovem returns to the parade and will perform alongside some "classic" groups – As Florinhas de Quarteira, Rua da Cabine, Rua Poeta Pardal, Rua Vasco da Gama, and Rua do Outeiro. Local spirit, love for the land, and pride in displaying months of work are the hallmarks of the hundreds of participants who will perform themes linked to seafaring, the Quarteira of bygone days, and the patron saints of these festivities. Amidst arches and balloons, the costumes, choreography, and music bring a unique atmosphere to this festival that attracts thousands of spectators to the Quarteira "santódromo."
In this edition, APROMAR, the organizing entity, invited three marches from outside the municipality to join the parade – Marcha da Bordeira, Marcha de Mafra and Marcha da Viscondessa -, with one of these groups participating on each night.
But the Popular Saints festivities in Quarteira aren't just about marches. During these days, the festivals take over the city's neighborhoods with popular music, dancing, and seasonal snacks, from grilled sardines to caldo verde. From 7:00 PM to midnight, throughout the month of June, the festival program is as follows: Vasco da Gama Street, on the 7th, with Hélder Pires, and on the 8th, with Irmãos Dias; Cabine Street, on the 14th, with Valter Cabrita, and on the 15th, with Telma Santos and Nelson Duarte; Fonte Street, on the 21st, with Fábio Emanuel, and on the 22nd, with Paulo Coelho; and Madrugada Street, on the 29th, with Duo Rui and Miguel, and on the 30th, with Nicole Viviana.
Besides the smell of grilled sardines in the air, the aroma of basil will also waft through the streets. A symbol of this season, basil is also known as "lovers' herb," offered in pots containing popular verses alluding to the occasion. Loulé City Council and Quarteira Parish Council are holding a basil sale on the 12th, 21st, and 28th, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Proceeds will benefit parish institutions.
In addition to being a deeply rooted tradition in the local community, the Popular Saints are Quarteira's main tourist attraction and a driving force behind the parish's economy.
