The suspension of the Sudoeste (Zambujeira do Mar) and the Beach Party (Leça da Palmeira) is a concern for Tiago Castelo Branco, CEO of MOT — Memories Of Tomorrow, which has organized the event since 2019. This highlights the responsibility of Somnii towards the EDM (Electronic Dance Music) culture.
“Competition is always welcome and stimulating,” said Tiago Castelo Branco, ensuring that the planning for this edition of Somnii was not a reaction to the absence of competition.
“If we are the only ones in this segment, we obviously have an added responsibility, but that does not scare us,” he emphasized.
The discussion about a potential crisis in EDM is baseless, according to Tiago Castelo Branco, because the genre is undergoing a phase of reinvention driven by the artists. This new phase is embraced and represented in Somnii’s lineup for the 11th edition, from July 4 to July 6.
“Current Timmy Trumpet is different from five years ago, and Steve Aoki has also evolved,” he noted, referring to the headliners of the 2025 edition and noting that the project, presented by Dutch artist Sefa, symbolizes this evolution in electronic music: “It’s a reinvention of Hardstyle, something never seen before, integrating classical orchestra and choir,” he revealed.
Since its first edition on the beach of Praia do Relógio in 2013, the festival has hosted major names like Alesso, Armin van Buuren, Tiesto, and Hardwell, while staying true to its electronic roots and strengthening its national and international presence.
“Events follow cycles, trends, and moments,” acknowledged Tiago Castelo Branco, highlighting the role of the original promoter, Genius y Meios, part of the Renascença group, in identifying the potential of electronic music in Portugal.
However, the national context imposes programming limits, with ticket prices adapted to the domestic purchasing power, affecting the fees that can be offered to artists.
“When I negotiate with artists abroad, I tell them not to forget about the national minimum and average wages,” he explained, noting that many artists have understood the need to adapt their fees to Portugal’s reality, given the importance of Somnii to their careers.
On the other hand, the director of MOT emphasized that more than the lineups, the event “has sought to establish itself as a meeting and sharing place,” forging a close relationship with its audience that goes beyond live performances and “generates a sense of belonging and identity.”
“Those who know Somnii know that the festival is an experience and a meeting place,” the promoter highlighted, mentioning that festival-goers see the annual return to Figueira da Foz as a tradition, a time for reuniting with friends and creating memories.
Among various stories illustrating the emotional connection between Somnii and its fans, Tiago Castelo Branco highlighted a couple who met at the festival and contacted the organization’s social networks two years ago because they were getting married during the event.
“The wedding theme was the festival, and they asked to be dressed as a bride and groom that Saturday. Their dream was to meet Alok, and it wasn’t hard for us, offering them an unforgettable experience,” he stressed.
The changing demographic profile of the audience reflects its loyalty, as the average age initially between 16 and 21 has shifted to 25 to 35, indicating many early attendees continue to participate.
The festival has prioritized reinvention, debuting a new stage configuration this year, installed on the north jetty of the commercial port, facing north towards the sea, the beach, and the sunset, with improved infrastructure and increased accessibility for people with reduced mobility.
“How many festivals in the world allow people to be on the beach, taking a dip while listening to their favorite artist?” Tiago Castelo Branco noted.
In parallel with the Somnii programming, Figueira da Foz will host Air Force Day, promoting joint activities, including aeronautical demonstrations commented on the site by military aircraft pilots.
