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June arrives and the city fills with music, bunting and the smell of sardines on the grill. For parents, it's one of the loveliest times of year — but it also raises practical questions: Do I take the children to the street party? What about the noise? And bedtime? How do I manage all of this without ending the night exhausted?
The good news is that the Santos Populares can be far more than one busy evening: they can become a family tradition your children will remember fondly. In this article, we share concrete ideas and tips for enjoying this season with them — simply, safely and full of good moments.
How do you explain the Santos Populares to children?
The best way to spark little ones' enthusiasm is to present the festival for what it is: a big neighbourhood party, where everyone comes out onto the street, with music, lights and shared food. You don't need to go into historical detail — focus on what speaks to them: the colours, the smells, the joy of being together with others.
You can also use it to talk about the values these festivities represent, pitched to your child's age: the importance of community, of sharing, of giving and receiving. For an older child, it's a good chance to discuss why we like to keep traditions alive — and to hear them tell you their version of the celebration.
What activities can you do at home before the festival?
Half the magic is in the preparation. Hands-on tasks help children look forward to the day and become a moment of closeness between parents and children. A few easy ideas:
Paper manjericos. Cutting and rolling green paper "leaves" to make a basil plant is simple and safe — and it decorates the window afterwards.
Bunting for the balcony. Coloured paper, round-tipped scissors and string: children love hanging up the result.
Learning a verse. Memorising a short, fun rhyme gives them something of "their own" to show the family.
A safe bonfire. With red and yellow cellophane you can build a pretend bonfire — perfect for little ones to play around with no risk.
How can you enjoy the street party stress-free?
Going to the arraial with children works well when you plan a few details in advance. These tips will help you stay relaxed:
Go early. The start of the evening is calmer and brighter — ideal before the party fills up.
Protect their ears. For babies and noise-sensitive children, a pair of protective headphones makes all the difference.
Bring water and snacks. Suitable options aren't always available on the spot, especially for younger ones.
Agree on a meeting point. In busy places, decide in advance where to regroup if anyone becomes separated.
Mind bonfires and lanterns. Keep children a safe distance from the flames.
Be willing to leave early. If you spot signs of tiredness, ending the night sooner than planned is a win too.
How do you get children involved in the tradition?
Children experience the festival far more intensely when they take part rather than simply watch. Give them a role:
Let them choose their outfit for the night — something comfortable in cheerful colours.
Try the sardine together (or an alternative, such as chouriço bread or a fruit skewer).
Let your child give a manjerico to someone they love — a grandparent, a cousin, a neighbour.
Dance to the music together, even if only for a moment.
They're small gestures — but memories are made of them.
What if my child is very young? Celebrating the Santos Populares at home
Not all children — especially babies and toddlers — cope well with crowds and noise. And that's perfectly fine. You can create a home street party with all the spirit and none of the stress:
Decorate the living room or balcony with the bunting you made.
Play traditional music softly in the background.
Prepare a simple, themed supper your child can help put together.
Light a few candles (carefully and with supervision), or use the paper "bonfire".
This way, your child experiences the tradition at their own pace, in a safe and familiar setting.
Turning the night into a memory (and managing tiredness)
June nights are long and full of stimulation — it's natural for children to become more restless or tearful towards the end. Anticipate this: bring something comforting, keep some predictability in the routine, and don't demand a perfect evening of yourself.
What lasts isn't the flawless night — it's the ritual repeated every year, the photo with the basil plant in hand, the smell that, years later, will bring their childhood back. That's what turns a simple outing into a family tradition.
And because the Santos Populares are also a celebration for grown-ups, having trusted support with the children allows you to enjoy these days more lightly — whether to linger a little longer or simply to rest. At Baby Sisters, we support families across the country precisely so that you can be present, and at ease, in every moment that matters.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can children go to the street parties? There's no set age — it depends on the child's temperament. Babies can go, provided you choose calmer times, protect their hearing and avoid the busiest areas. For children very sensitive to noise, a home celebration may be the better choice.
How do you protect children's ears at the street party? Protective headphones made for babies and children reduce the noise without isolating them completely — and help the child stay calm in a noisy setting.
What Santos Populares activities can I do with young children at home? Making paper basil plants and bunting, decorating the balcony, listening to traditional music and preparing a simple themed supper are safe, fun activities to do as a family.
How do you explain the manjerico tradition to children? You can say the manjerico is a little plant we give to people we love, with a small rhyme, as a way of saying "I like you". Children love being the ones to give it.
From all of us at Baby Sisters, we wish you festivities full of music and wonderful family moments. Happy Santos Populares!