Festival in Honour of Our Lady of Sorrows 2026
From August 13 to 17, 2026, Monção celebrates its biggest religious festivities in honour of Our Lady of Sorrows. Five days of solemn processions, concerts by D.A.M.A and Generation Abba, folklore, brass bands and fireworks by the Minho river.
The Festa em Honra à Virgem das Dores (Festival in Honour of Our Lady of Sorrows) is Monção's biggest religious and popular celebration and one of the most anticipated moments of summer in the Alto Minho. In 2026 the festivities run from August 13 to 17, drawing thousands of visitors, including many emigrants who return to their hometown at this time of year.
The programme opens on Thursday, August 13, with a Folklore Night featuring Grupo Arco Íris. On Friday the 14th, the energy rises with the official tribute show Generation Abba, followed by sets from DJ Pedro Simões (RFM radio) and DJ Percy, keeping the party going late into the night.
Saturday, August 15, is one of the festival's big days: the Banda Musical de Monção and the Banda de Música da Carregosa fill the streets with music, and the night culminates in a spectacular fireworks display, followed by Banda Remember and DJ Charlie. On Sunday the 16th, the Solemn Procession takes place — the most important religious moment of the festivities, with thousands of faithful accompanying the image of Our Lady of Sorrows through the town's decorated streets. The evening features Orquestra Belcanto Show and the Raya Real Show.
The festival closes on Monday, August 17, with the traditional Emigrant's Procession, a moving tribute to Monção natives living around the world, followed by Grupo Kalhambeke and the closing concert by D.A.M.A, one of Portugal's most popular pop bands.
For visitors to Monção at this time of year, the Virgem das Dores festivities offer a unique chance to experience the authentic soul of the Minho region: decorated streets, food and drink stalls, the unmistakable Alvarinho wine, brass bands, free concerts and a convivial atmosphere that brings generations together. The town's historic centre, with Deu-la-Deu Square and the old walls overlooking the Minho river, provides the perfect backdrop for these days of celebration.
Admission to all shows is free, making this event ideal for families and anyone wanting to discover the living traditions of northern Portugal at the height of summer.
