The Parish of Rio de Mouro promotes between September 5 and 13 the traditional Festivals in Honor of Our Lady of Cabo Espichel, a free-entry event that takes place every 26 years at the premises of the Fair of Mercês, in Rinchoa. The program includes religious moments, processions, a traditional fair and a diverse musical entertainment lineup.
The festivities begin on Saturday, September 5, at 1:00 PM, with the reception of the patron saint's image coming from Montelavar, followed at 5:30 PM by the Círio procession through the streets of the parish, accompanied by the GNR Marching Band, ending at 8:00 PM at the Mother Church of Our Lady of Belém with fireworks. On Sunday, September 6, at 4:00 PM, an Outdoor Mass is held presided by D. Joaquim Mendes, followed by the Solemn Procession, and at 7:00 PM the Philharmonic Band Nossa Senhora da Fé of Monte Abraão presents a concert dedicated to the patron saint.
Throughout the weekdays, the venue opens at 5:00 PM with recitation of the rosary at the Chapel of Our Lady of Mercês at 8:00 PM and musical performances starting at 9:30 PM. The musical lineup includes Tribute to ABBA (7), Popular Tribute (8), Dupla Meta Cá Sets (9), Rouxinol Faduncho (10), "Show Forever Marco" (11) and Edmundo Inácio (12). On Saturday, September 12, there is a Zumba class at 11:00 AM, entertainment with Tuna Inoportuna at 5:00 PM and evening concerts by Edmundo Inácio and DJ Gonçalo.
The closing, on Sunday, September 13, features an Outdoor Mass at 4:00 PM, followed by performances by the Mercês Drumming Group and the Rinchoa Folk and Cultural Group at 6:30 PM. The venue also has food, confectionery, craft and amusement areas, with the event having the support of the Sintra Municipal Council and the Parish Council of Rio de Mouro.
