“We have prepared an extensive program, with a range of activities that reflect a cross-sectional approach to different areas, including culture, entertainment, tourism, education, heritage, sustainability, environment, sports, and more,” stated Rui Santos, the mayor of Vila Real.
The municipality presented the ‘City Celebrations 2025’ program and the summer agenda during a press conference, detailing events taking place from May to September. These events are part of an extensive program marking the centennial of its elevation to city status.
Although July 20 marks the 100th anniversary of Vila Real’s elevation to city status, the ‘One Hundred Years | One Hundred Moments’ program commenced in March and will continue until the end of December.
For Rui Santos, the city celebrations, “a true calling card” for tourists, are also “a long-standing special moment in the community calendar.”
“These are days when we celebrate our history, our culture, and our identity, but above all, our people. This year we have prepared a program that honors our past, values the present, and confidently points to the future,” reiterated the mayor.
Mara Minhava, the Councillor for Culture at the Vila Real City Council, believes the program helps attract visitors to the city, while the fact that many initiatives occur in the historic center boosts local commerce.
Concerts taking place in the Praça do Município are free, as is the vast majority of events scheduled until September.
One of this year’s innovations is hiring local and national DJs to perform after the concerts, a suggestion from the residents of Vila Real, according to Mara Minhava.
The program features over 100 activities from various fields, catering to all generations, and includes concerts by Plutónio (June 9), Diogo Piçarra (June 10), Carlão (June 13), Rui Veloso (June 28), and Sara Correia (June 29).
The entertainment program also includes celebrations for the three patron saints – Saint Anthony, Saint John, and Saint Peter – and the 54th edition of the International Circuit of Vila Real, taking place from July 4 to 6, featuring the band Xutos e Pontapés (July 4).
The English band James will perform on July 5, the international choice by the town hall to be part of the centennial city elevation celebrations.
During Saint Anthony, there will be popular marches, featuring participation from all 20 parishes in the municipality, as well as the traditional cattle fair, the national Maronese cattle competition, and the ‘Bilíadas’, dedicated to traditional games.
The Rock Nordeste festival will take place from June 20 to 21 and, “for the first time, will be exclusively organized by the Vila Real city council team,” announced the culture councillor.
In July, the Summer Concerts at the Municipal Theater start, along with the Street Arts Cycle – Arruada – which will spread through the city center.
