QUEENS — A Queens restaurant will transform into a Little Portugal during a three-day festival in honor of St. John the Baptist this weekend.
The annual "São João Festival" will kick off on Friday at O Lavrador restaurant in Jamaica and will continue until Sunday.
Portuguese folk dance groups from the area will perform, along with local DJs and live bands playing Portuguese music, including Ondamedia, and a local designer will throw a mini fashion show, the organizers said.
“In Portugal, every city, big or small, celebrates St. John,” said Edgar Ferreira, the owner of the restaurant, which has organized the festival since 1996.
“We want to continue the Portuguese tradition,” said Ferreira. “In Portugal it’s a holiday.”
During the festival, which will be held outdoors at the restaurant’s large parking lot, participants will be able to buy barbecued sardines, which are traditionally served during the festival.
There will also be other barbecue dishes, including chicken, pork steak and burgers.
St. John’s Festival will be held June 21-23 at O Lavrador Restaurant at 138-40 101 Ave. in Jamaica. For more information call (718) 526-1526 or go to www.olavradorrestaurant.com. All the events are free.
