The Festa dos Capuchos kicked off on September 11 in Vila Viçosa, marking the start of another edition running until September 15. This is one of the most emblematic celebrations in the municipality, combining religious tradition, culture, bullfighting, gastronomy and musical entertainment. The official opening ceremony marked the beginning of the days of festivities, which maintain the cultural, religious and taurine components characteristic of this festival.
With roots dating back to 1863, the Festa dos Capuchos has over a century and a half of history and is associated with the former Convent of São Francisco dos Capuchos, whose origins date back to 1500 and the House of Bragança, with Nossa Senhora da Piedade and the Senhor Jesus dos Aflitos as religious references. The festival is considered by the Calipolense community as a special moment of reunion, traditionally coinciding with the return to Vila Viçosa of emigrants and families living outside the municipality.
The Mayor of Vila Viçosa, Inácio Esperança, highlighted the diversity of the program and stated that "Capuchos is a festival of meeting friends and family". The mayor emphasized that the formula is consolidated and that "Capuchos must be Capuchos and must be here", defending the preservation of the celebration's own identity. The musical program includes artists such as Chaito Y Palosanto, Badoxa, Brazilian Vítor Kley as the headliner on Sunday, and Emanuel on Monday, as well as DJ entertainment.
In addition to the concerts, the program includes traditional bull releases, garraiadas and bullfights, as well as bars, restaurants, tasquinhas, a fair, crafts and other entertainment options. Demand from exhibitors and traders exceeds available capacity, with 40 exhibitions and restaurants on a waiting list. The diversity of the programming aims to cater to different audiences and age groups, with concerts for the general public and DJs for younger audiences during the late hours.
