Chaves City Festival 2026

The Chaves City Festival is one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the summer in this northern Portuguese spa town, taking place from 4 to 8 July 2026. Over five days, the historic city fills with music, colour and celebration, offering a diverse cultural programme designed for all tastes and all ages.

The highlight of the festivities is the municipal holiday on 8 July, a date that marks a defining moment in Portuguese history. It was on 8 July 1912 that Chaves became the stage for one of the most important battles in the consolidation of the Republic and the definitive defeat of the monarchist forces. The anniversary is celebrated with pride by the people of Chaves, who honour the city's courage and its place in the nation's collective memory.

Throughout the days of celebration, the historic centre and public spaces of Chaves host concerts, musical performances, street entertainment, family activities and moments of community spirit that celebrate local identity. The programme includes attractions for both young and old, transforming the city into a living stage where tradition and modernity meet.

For visitors, the City Festival is the perfect opportunity to discover the best of Chaves: its imposing medieval castle, the Roman Trajan Bridge over the River Tâmega, the thermal waters that have made the city famous since Roman times and, of course, the region's celebrated gastronomy, with its renowned cured ham and smoked meats.

A particularly appealing feature is that all performances offer free admission, making the event accessible to everyone. Those who visit Chaves during this period will experience authentic Trás-os-Montes hospitality in a festive atmosphere that blends culture, history and tradition. The Chaves City Festival is, without doubt, an excellent reason to explore this gem of Portugal's northern interior.