The organisers of Festas do Mar have just announced the lineup on Facebook: between 22 August and 1 September, the stage set up in the Bay of Cascais will host performances by Carolina Deslandes, Bárbara Tinoco, Fernando Daniel, António Zambujo, and many more – all in Portuguese.
Spread over two weekends, the completely free music festival kicks off on Thursday, 22 August, with Rui Veloso. The following days will feature performances by Bárbara Bandeira (Fri, 23), Fernando Daniel (Sat, 24), and António Zambujo (Sun, 25).
During the second weekend, Bárbara Tinoco (Thu, 29), Tiago Bettencourt (Fri, 30), and Carolina Deslandes (Sat, 31) will bring music to Cascais. As is tradition, the final day (Sun, 1 Sep) will be dedicated to the Cascais Symphony Orchestra, which this year celebrates the 40th anniversary of the RFM radio programme "Oceano Pacífico".
The main concerts will be preceded by other musical performances in Portuguese – Soraia Tavares on 29 August and Irma on the 30th, for instance – as well as shows for the younger audience: Ruca (22 Aug), Heidi and the Magic Bee (23), Bluey (24), Pocoyo (29), Peppa Pig (30), and Cocomelon (31) will perform at 6:30 pm before sunset.
The Sagres stage, located just steps from the main stage near the Forte do Cidadela, will feature, everyday, young talents from Cascais starting at 7:00 pm. Between the two stages and extending to Jardim Visconde da Luz, you’ll find various stalls dedicated to gastronomy and crafts.
The origins of Festas do Mar
Traditionally dating back to 1942, the Procession of Our Lady of the Navigators (Intangible Cultural Heritage) is the origin of what has become Festas do Mar. The procession began the year the construction of the Igreja dos Navegantes was completed. Despite some interruptions over the years, it has been held continuously since 1992. The processional images are carried both on land and sea, from the Church of Our Lady of Assumption to the Praia da Ribeira pier, where they are placed on fishing boats to proceed to the Guia area. One of the most significant and symbolic rituals takes place here, with a prayer in homage to deceased fishermen. Prayers are said, flowers are thrown into the sea, and the boats sound their horns.
This year, the procession will be held on Sunday, 1 September, starting at 3:00 pm.
Festas do Mar. Bay of Cascais. 22 Aug - 1 Sep. Free entry.