Saint John The Baptist

Caravaggio. John the Baptist. Cathedral Museum, Toledo

Piero della Francesca. Baptism of Christ. National Gallery, London

The name John means God has graced. It is the most frequent name among all the men saints. However the first John was Saint John The Baptist, whose feast day is June 24.

John is identifiable in Christian art by his reed cross, camel's skin and lamb.

On the eve of Saint John´s day, the streets of Oporto are filled with people, to celebrate his day. It is a famous “arraial” where people eat (sardines are a must), sing , dance and amuse themselves. In Lisbon the same spirit of joy is shown on the eve of Saint Anthony´s Day.