Operations increase by 26% during the Santos Populares festivities, with strong participation from foreign tourists

The Santos Populares nights once again mobilized the country, with a 26% increase in the number of transactions compared to the daily average for June. According to data from SIBS Analytics, foreign tourists played a prominent role, accounting for 22% of the total value of these transactions.

MB WAY established itself as one of the preferred payment methods during the festivities, recording a 24% increase in the number of transactions compared to the daily average for June. In terms of spending, the overall average transaction amount on the festival nights was €25, while the average MB WAY transaction amount stood at €19.

A closer look at the festivities shows that the night of Santo António (June 12 and 13) stood out as the peak of activity. The number of transactions surged by 43% compared to the June average, a trend mirrored by MB WAY, which also grew by 43%. This night also saw the highest share of foreign tourists, who represented 28% of all transactions. The peak in nighttime transactions occurred around 2:00 a.m., with a significant increase of +126% compared to the daily average, and the average transaction reached €26. The average amount spent via MB WAY during this festival was €18.

On the night of São João (June 23 and 24), the number of transactions also saw a significant increase of 24% compared to the monthly average, with MB WAY rising 22%. Foreign tourists accounted for 19% of transactions, representing a 2% increase compared to 2025. The data also reveals that this was the longest night for the Portuguese, with the peak in nighttime transactions occurring at 4:00 a.m., reaching an impressive +284% compared to the daily average. The overall average transaction amount that night was €22, while MB WAY transactions averaged €18.

Finally, during the São Pedro festivities (June 28 and 29), the number of transactions rose by 3%. The standout figure is the share of foreign tourists (13%), which showed a 12% increase compared to the same festivities in 2025. The average transaction amount was €26, with MB WAY recording an average transaction amount of €21.

Other indicators considered relevant can be analysed in the attachment and here. For more information, you can contact the SIBS Communication and Sustainability team at comunicacao@sibs.com.