Sete Sóis Sete Luas Festival Returns to Castelo Branco
The sounds and sights of the Mediterranean are set to take over Castelo Branco as the Sete Sóis Sete Luas Festival returns for its 34th edition. Running from July 30 to August 8, the prestigious festival will feature five diverse performances ranging from traditional world music to innovative visual theater and contemporary circus.
Established in 1993, Sete Sóis Sete Luas is an international cultural network spanning 30 cities across nine countries, including Portugal, Morocco, and Italy. The festival has long been celebrated for its commitment to folk and ethnic traditions, once counting Nobel laureates José Saramago and Dario Fo among its honorary presidents.
A Journey of Sound and Stage
The festivities kick off on July 30 at 9:45 PM at Praça Manuel Cargaleiro with a performance by acclaimed Greek singer-songwriter Xanthoula Dakovanou. Drawing inspiration from the vocal traditions of the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean, Dakovanou brings a rich, multicultural repertoire honed through recordings in Paris and Athens.
On July 31, the festival shifts to Monte do Índio for a night of visual storytelling. The Basque company Markeliñe will present “Art-Ilusiò,” a performance that eschews dialogue in favor of gesture and surprise, creating a universal language through visual theater.
Celebrating New Talent and Dynamic Circus
The program continues on August 6 at Monte do Índio with the “Jeunesse IX of the 7Sóis Cities” concert. This unique project brings together masters and rising stars from across the Mediterranean network. The ensemble features winners of the 2025 Sete Sóis Sete Luas Revelation Prize, blending the distinct musical heritages of their home countries into a single, harmonious production.
The final days of the festival belong to the Spanish company Vaivén Circo. On August 7 at the Devesa civic center, the group will perform “Esencial,” a production that blurs the lines between circus and dance. Inspired by the “Waldorf Rainbow” toy, the show features a shifting architectural set of pillars and arches that transform alongside the performers.
The festival will draw to a close on August 8 at 9:45 PM with a final performance by Vaivén Circo at the Mother Church square in Alcains.
A Legacy of Cultural Excellence
Twice honored with the European Union’s Kaleidoscope Prize, the Sete Sóis Sete Luas Festival remains a vital link between Luso-Mediterranean cultures. By fostering collaboration between artists from Cape Verde to Croatia, the event continues to be a hallmark of high-quality European cultural exchange.
Image: Pexels – larry penaloza
