After three days of culture, politics, debate and music, the 49th Festa do Avante! concluded last Sunday at Quinta da Atalaia in Amora. The annual event, organised by the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), served as both a cultural festival and political forum, drawing thousands from across Portugal and beyond.
Solidarity with Palestine and a strong message of peace dominated much of the programming. The PCP used the festival to voice its opposition to war and its support for people suffering from conflict.
Solidarity with Palestine and a strong message of peace dominated much of the programming. The PCP used the festival to voice its opposition to war and its support for people suffering from conflict.
The leadership emphasised resistance against what they described as global threats: imperialism, capitalist austerity, political demagogy, and social inequality. A speech given by PCP General Secretary Paulo Raimundo was a focal political moment, in which he addressed both domestic issues and international solidarity.
Aside from politics, the festival featured its usual rich blend of concerts, visual arts, theatre, gastronomy, book fairs, children’s spaces, and scientific exhibitions. The musical line-up included a number of well-known Portuguese artists and offered space to newer acts.
In his closing intervention, Paulo Raimundo affirmed that this year’s Festa had strengthened participants’ confidence in resistance and in the possibility of change. He also announced the dates for the next edition: 4, 5 and 6 September 2026, which will also mark the 50th anniversary of the Festival.
Aside from politics, the festival featured its usual rich blend of concerts, visual arts, theatre, gastronomy, book fairs, children’s spaces, and scientific exhibitions. The musical line-up included a number of well-known Portuguese artists and offered space to newer acts.
In his closing intervention, Paulo Raimundo affirmed that this year’s Festa had strengthened participants’ confidence in resistance and in the possibility of change. He also announced the dates for the next edition: 4, 5 and 6 September 2026, which will also mark the 50th anniversary of the Festival.
