Viseu Marca – the "Viseu territorial marketing and branding association," created in 2016 on the initiative of the Municipality of Viseu and the Viseu Regional Business Association (AIRV) – organiser of the event, which runs until September 21, states in a press release that this "is one of the largest editions ever."

Inaugurated tonight at 9:30 pm by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, the fair takes place under the motto "Viseu, the city to be happy."

"The focus on sustainability, both socially and environmentally, is reinforced, with a space for autistic children and an environmental awareness trail based on the 17 goals of the United Nations (UN); a new food court and a renovated eel area; and entertainment," the organisers emphasise.

Sports are another hallmark of the event, and this year, "approximately 60 activities for amateurs and professionals" are scheduled, including, for example, the 42nd Carlos Lopes Half Marathon and a martial arts tournament, taking place for the first time.

Throughout the 46 days of the fair, musicians such as the Danish Lukas Graham, Matias Damásio, Dillaz, Calema, Fernando Daniel, Nininho Vaz Maia, Bárbara Tinoco, Miguel Araújo, Carolina de Deus, Joana Almeirante, MarizaBispo, João Só, Father Guilherme, and Rita Guerra will take the stage.

Bands such as GNR, Gipsy Kings, Canta Baía, Táxi, and Fingertips will also perform, and there will be a tribute to Marco Paulo, titled "Para Sempre Marco."

On August 29th, the second edition of Mateus Fest will take place, geared toward young people. Its headliner is rapper Matûe, with performances by Van Zee, Lon3r Johny and ProfJam, and DJ Perez.


"The Fair is a true stage for happiness and reunions, for Viseu residents and friends, from near and far, for our emigrants and neighbours alike. Every year, despite its six centuries of history, it reinvents itself to rise to the occasion and meet the demands of the public, while always preserving and valuing its identity, flavours, and traditions. This is what makes it authentic, genuine, and unique in its entirety," emphasizes Fernando Ruas, the mayor of Viseu, in the same press release.

Pedro Alves, president of Viseu Marca, believes that "it's a major national event" that aims to be "for everyone, inclusive." Therefore, it makes a "strong commitment to sustainability, not only in its environmental aspect, but also, and very importantly, in its social aspect."

"The space we created this year to support autistic children is proof of this," he emphasises, in addition to the existing space for people with reduced mobility to attend the shows.