São João

São João Baptista is one of the most popular celebrations of the pilgrimage on Santo Antão’s Island. The celebration takes places from 23rd until 25th of June, in the city of Porto Novo. The highlight is the pilgrimage on day 23rd in Ribeira das Patas, where sacred and profane meet.

The sound of drums, whistles and voices invite you to dance(kola san jon), and the rhythm of the umbigada (traditional dance) repeats itself in a continuous movement, colored with rosaries, ships, and other artefacts. The “Kola San Jon” is an expressive and performative practice, that sides with the religious aspect of the celebration.