Honoured throughout Europe towards the end of June, St John is celebrated with fervour in the streets of Porto in Protugal.

The Sao Joao festivities are marked with dancing, eating and fireworks.

Porto's biggest festival draws people from all over the country, as loud music accompanies the release of a number of colourful falmed-propelled balloons into the night sky.

Specialities eaten during the celebrations held at the Unesco Heritage city include tasty grilled sardines, which are made on makeshift barbeques.

A number of traditions are upheld, such as the selling of small plant pots that are said to bring the buyer luck in marriage and business or protect them from evil.

The all-night party attracts hundreds of locals and tourists alike, who flock to the town especially keen to see the main event, the spectacular fireworks display at midnight.

Many of the young revellers stay up until around four in the morning, walking to the seaside to watch the sunrise.

Porto, in northern Portugal, is the country's second-largest city and is the original home of port wine.