“It is a great moment for the Penela family to reunite,” said Penela Mayor Eduardo Nogueira dos Santos, noting that the event offers an opportunity to catch up with friends and spend time with family.

The festival, which dates back nearly six centuries, also incorporates the Agricultural and Industrial Fair (FRAGRIP), running from the 25th to the 27th, and the Annual Walnut Fair on the 27th.

“Penela feels even smaller with so many people around. We have seen huge crowds on these days,” the mayor said, adding that this is also a source of satisfaction, as it demonstrates the festival’s success.

During the press conference introducing the event, Eduardo Nogueira dos Santos estimated attendance at over 25,000 people.

This edition features 105 exhibitors, including institutions, businesses, artisans, local products, food and beverage vendors, and amusement attractions, as well as market traders and sellers of onions and walnuts.

The mayor also highlighted the strong presence of local associations, noting that this serves as a good indicator of the event’s importance in reinforcing the sustainability of the local associative sector.

Key new features this year include a main stage tent covering about 1,200 square meters and improved conditions in the food and drink stall areas.

As for the entertainment lineup, the festivities kick off with performances by Átoa and Insert Coin on the 25th, followed by The Gift on the 26th and Rosinha on the 27th, all at Parque das Águas Romanas.

On the 28th, the event moves to Praça da República in the town centre for a “more traditional dance” featuring the group Sóritmo. It concludes the following day with the dance performance “Os Irredutíveis” (The Unyielding Ones), presented by Espaço da Dança, at the Penela Multipurpose Pavilion.

On the 29th, Municipal Day, the Casa dos Saberes e do Território (House of Knowledge and Territory) will be inaugurated. It is housed in a building featuring early 20th-century Brazilian-inspired architecture, which the municipality purchased and renovated in an investment of around half a million euros.

“It’s a sort of ‘tourism office 2.0.’ It serves as our gateway to the town and the municipality, our welcome centre for visitors,” described Eduardo Nogueira dos Santos.

In addition to providing information on the municipality’s main points of interest, the space will feature a shop selling local products and “some merchandise.” It may also host cultural events and an artist residency.

“We want it to be a living, dynamic space, one that evolves,” he noted.

The São Miguel Festival, which offers free admission, represents an investment of approximately 200,000 euros.