Diverse, eclectic, deeply rooted in tradition, yet always open to the world, the Festas de Lisboa are back, ready to energise the city and its people.
During the month of June, Lisbon will be transformed into a stage where we can all celebrate and come together. Marchas, street parties, performances, exhibitions, workshops and many other events are part of an inclusive and multicultural programme of events that will be mainly free and reflect the capital’s vibrant spirit.
One of the highlights of the Festas de Lisboa are the Marchas, which will be held at MEO Arena on the 30th and 31st May and the 1st June. A jury will rate their choreographies, costumes and how closely they stick to this year’s theme song: “Alma de Lisboa”.
On 12th June, groups hailing from Lisbon’s different neighbourhoods will parade down the Avenida da Liberdade to the sound of their own parade music and 2025’s theme song.
There will also be the traditional Weddings, Thrones and Race of Saint Anthony. At the site where the saint was born, the Trezena to Saint Anthony will take place, featuring fado, guitar performances and a play.
For those who want to dance, sing and eat a sardine sandwich, there are the Arraiais Populares (Community Street Parties) – 16 of them spread across 9 parishes. Speaking of sardines, those who want to learn the history of the most sought-after fish during the Festas should visit the exhibition The Miracle of the Sardine at the Monument to the Discoveries, which reveals all its secrets, from ancient times to the present day
Music is always one of the main attractions at the Festas, with concerts featuring artists of various genres and backgrounds. This year, the Castelo de São Jorge will host Carminho, Rui Massena and Gil Brito (a young pianist and winner of Got Talent Portugal), who will all perform on the stage with the best view of the city. Teatro do Bairro Alto will bring us Anupama Bhagwat, one of the most skilled and innovative sitarists. Meanwhile, at the Teatro da Comuna there’ll be Jazz Recitals, and the Gulbenkian Orchestra will offer a diverse musical experience with the concert Orchestral Contrasts and Colours.
New this year is the programme of events at the Book Fair in Parque Eduardo VII. There will be talks as well as workshops focused on the importance of writing.
CineConchas will, once again, allow us to enjoy warm summer nights with open-air cinema for all ages, and EuroPride (Europe’s largest LGBTI+ event) will take place in Lisbon for the first time this year, with a wide-ranging programme held across various locations in the city.
We’ll be celebrating the city’s diversity with the Korean Culture Festival at the Museum of Lisbon – Palácio Pimenta; the Bollywood Festival; MAMA África at Cinema São Jorge and Capitólio; the Thai Festival; and the Festival of Japan.
We’ll also point out Lisbon’s presence in Expo25, in Osaka, with the programme Osaka in Lisbon, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and film screenings across various venues in the city.
Terreiro do Paço will host D.A.M.A and guests, and Bárbara Bandeira with the GNR Symphonic Band in two unforgettable concerts in the Festas de Lisboa closing.
For the concert at 9pm on 28th June, D.A.M.A. will be joined on stage by Ágata, Bandidos do Cante, Beatriz Felício & Buba Espinho, and Los Romeros.
At 9pm on 29th June, Bárbara Bandeira will perform with the GNR Symphonic Band, revisiting her biggest hits with new orchestral arrangements, in a concert that will also feature a special appearance by Carminho.
The Festas de Lisboa 2025 belong to everyone. Come and celebrate with us!
