Festa do Senhor da Piedade 2026: Program, Dates and Visitor Guide for Elvas

Welcome to the Festa do Senhor da Piedade 2026 in Elvas

From 18 to 27 September 2026, the Parque da Piedade in Elvas, a fortified town right on the Spanish border in the Alentejo region, becomes the stage for one of the largest folk and religious festivals in southern Portugal. The Festa do Senhor da Piedade, combined with the historic Expo São Mateus trade fair, draws thousands of visitors from across the region and neighbouring Spanish Extremadura every year.

Highlights

• Ten days of music, market stalls and folk festivities at Parque da Piedade
• Opening concert by fado singer Carminho on 18 September
• Performances by Némanus, Raya, Papillon and Tony Carreira
• Traditional Procissão dos Pendões (Procession of Banners) on 20 September
• Two bullfights at the Coliseu Comendador Rondão Almeida
• Food area with restaurants and street food
• Exhibition and trade zone (Praça da Feira)

Program

On the main stage, Palco São Mateus, fado singer Carminho opens the festival on 18 September, followed by a nineties themed party night on 19 September. Némanus perform on 20 September, the same day as the religious highlight of the festival, the Procissão dos Pendões, one of Portugal's largest religious processions, stretching up to three kilometres and led by the Archbishop of Évora. The program continues with Raya on 24 September, Papillon on 25 September (alongside one of the two bullfights) and closes with well known artist Tony Carreira on 26 September. Alongside the main stage, the Palco da Feira offers folk music and regional entertainment for all ages.

Tickets

All concerts and shows at Parque da Piedade are free to attend; the festival is organised by the Elvas Municipal Council. Only the two bullfights at the Coliseu Comendador Rondão Almeida and individual food and drink purchases come at a separate cost.

Visitor Tips

• Arrive early for the main concerts, as the area in front of the stage fills up quickly.
• The Procissão dos Pendões on 20 September draws especially large crowds; come early for a good spot along the route.
• Elvas sits right on the Spanish border (near Badajoz), making it easy to combine the visit with a trip across the border.
• The food area with restaurants and street food is a good option for spending an evening on site.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the festival grounds are spread out.