The 5th edition of the Festival Castro Mineiro takes place over three days, from Friday to Sunday, at Parque da Liberdade, in Castro Verde, in the Beja district. The festival, which has free admission, celebrates the "mining identity" of the municipality and is organized by the city council in partnership with Boliden Somincor, the concessionaire company of the Neves-Corvo mines, located in the municipality itself.
According to the president of the municipality, António José Brito, the festival aims to be a space to celebrate the strong historical connection of the municipality to mining activity, showcasing a reality shaped by mining exploration, which is one of the most important in Europe. The mayor added that the initiative aims to enhance the history and present of a territory, highlighting the role that this activity continues to play in the economic and social development of Castro Verde.
The program includes concerts by Sonido Andaluz on Friday, Soraia Ramos on Saturday and Celina da Piedade on Sunday, as well as moments of Alentejo cante singing, a comedy show with Algarvie Marafado and João Caçoilas, food stalls, wine tastings and entertainment for children. On Friday, there will also be a conference on the archaeological treasures of Neves-Corvo and the opening of a photography exhibition on the same theme.
On Saturday, an open day will be held at the Neves-Corvo mine, from 09:00 to 12:00, open to all interested visitors, and a rescue demonstration by the Boliden Somincor Intervention Group. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for 18:00 on Friday, with the presence of the Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho.
