Raiz d'Aldeia Festival 2026 - 14th Edition

The Raiz d'Aldeia Festival returns to Janeiro de Cima, in the municipality of Fundão (Castelo Branco district), from June 25 to 28, 2026, for its 14th edition. Held in one of Portugal's most beautiful Schist Villages (Aldeias do Xisto), nestled in the mountains and crossed by the crystal-clear waters of the Zêzere river, this festival is a national benchmark for celebrating traditional arts and cultures.

For four days, Janeiro de Cima opens its doors to thousands of visitors who enjoy an intense programme of Portuguese traditional music and music from around the world, world dances, craft workshops, gastronomic showcases, activities for children and moments of sharing across generations. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, and the setting is simply unique: narrow slate streets, centuries-old stone houses and river beaches just steps away.

The festival's regular offerings include open-air concerts on stages spread throughout the village, traditional singing and playing sessions, folk instrument workshops, weaving ateliers and regional cooking classes. The environmental dimension is also strongly present, with walks, river swimming and activities that promote contact with the surrounding nature of the Serra da Gardunha and the Zêzere valley.

Raiz d'Aldeia is organised by Associação Moinho do Sabor in partnership with the Aldeias do Xisto network. Visitors can choose to camp at improvised campsites nearby, rent rooms in village houses, or stay in local accommodation in Fundão. Advance planning is recommended, given the festival's growing popularity.

For those seeking an authentic experience of Portugal's inland regions, far from the usual tourist bustle, Raiz d'Aldeia is one of the best reasons to discover Beira Baixa in June.