This festival is held in Porto Novo on 24 June in honour of the town’s patron saint. Between the beating of the drums, the shouting and the sweaty bodies of the colá dancers, accompanied by a good grog, this is how the São João festivities go: promises are paid to the saints, promises are renewed – for cures, for absent family members and for the graces received. The highlight of the festival is the procession in which they pick up the image of the saint in Ribeiras das Patas and carry it to the city centre, which despite modernity, the religious culture is still deeply accentuated and visible, particularly in the pilgrimage. The walk in the blazing sun is a feast even for those who carry a stone on their heads as a symbol of the payment of a promise. On the same day, the 25th, the image of the saint returns to the chapel of Ribeira das Patas, where the feast of Saojoãozinho is celebrated with religious and typical activities. The festivities take place amidst food and drink at the stalls selling clothes, which display their products along Amircal Cabral Avenue. The heart of the city is the cultural village, a place where music shows take place, especially with musical groups that liven up the nights of the festivities.