São Vicente e Ventosa Summer Festival 2026
From 12 to 17 August, São Vicente e Ventosa, in the Elvas municipality, holds its Summer Festival in honour of Nossa Senhora do Rosário. Six days of bull runs, concerts by Doya and Deixa Rolá, a procession, local food and crafts.
The São Vicente e Ventosa Summer Festival, held in honour of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, takes place from 12 to 17 August 2026 in this parish of the Elvas municipality, some 20 kilometres from the UNESCO-listed fortress city. Six days blend religious tradition, popular bullfighting, live music and generous Alentejo food.
Festivities open on Wednesday 12 August at 9.30pm with the first bull run through the village streets, repeated on Thursday 13 at the same hour.
Friday 14 August is one of the busiest nights: a dance with David Melão from 10pm, a concert by Doya at 11.30pm, then DJ sets from Miguel Morais (1.30am) and Boss Dici (3.30am), keeping the party going until morning.
Saturday 15 August, the patron saint's day, is more solemn: at 9am comes the traditional Peditório da Colcha, followed at 10am by mass and the procession in honour of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, carried through streets decorated for the occasion.
Sunday 16 August brings the tourada à vara larga at 6.30pm, a Zumba display by Gota d'Arte at 10pm, a concert by Pack 7 at 10.30pm and DJ Cuba from 1.30am. The closing day, Monday 17 August, features another bull run at 6.30pm, Jorge Gomes at 10pm, Os Contramão at 11.30pm and DJ Manja to end the festival.
Throughout the week there are food stands serving Alentejo specialities, a local crafts showcase, inflatables and children's entertainment. Entry to the festival grounds is free.
Organised by the parish festival committee, this is one of the best chances of the year to experience rural Alentejo in full celebration mode. Combine it with a day in Elvas to see the Amoreira Aqueduct, the Graça Fort and the star-shaped bastioned walls, then head to São Vicente in the late afternoon for dinner and the night's music.
