Cascais is set to host Portugal’s first International Philosophy Festival. Called Espanto, the event will take place from June 19th to 22th at various locations around the municipality: Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, Parque Marechal Carmona, the Conversas na Gandarinha restaurant (at the Cascais Cultural Centre), and three social neighbourhoods selected by the local council.
The theme for this inaugural edition is fear. The programme includes debates, lectures, artistic presentations, and other activities. The aim is to foster reflection, discovery, and dialogue, where philosophy intersects with everyday life and becomes a collective experience. Espanto is designed for people of all ages.
Confirmed international speakers include Peter Sloterdijk, Donatella Di Cesare, Bernat Castany Prado, Daniel Innerarity, Gilles Lipovetsky, Michel Eltchaninoff, Samantha Rose Hill, and Sebastian Sunday Grève. They will be joined by Portuguese speakers António de Castro Caeiro, Manuel Curado, Marta Faustino, Arlindo Oliveira, Joana Bértholo, Artur Ribeiro, Beatriz Batarda, Carlos Fiolhais, Edson Athayde, Joana Rita Sousa, Luísa Lopes, and David Erlich. The full programme is available on the official Espanto website.
Tickets for the festival are available at an early bird rate until April 30th. General tickets (€38) provide access to activities taking place at Parque Marechal Carmona and Casa das Histórias Paula Rego. Premium tickets (€166) offer access to all events, including the “In Vino Veritas” dinner at Conversas na Gandarinha.
Some activities will be free, though prior registration is required. From May 1st, ticket prices will rise to €45 (general) and €195 (premium), though students can still get a 15% discount on entry.