The town of Penela hosts the Festas de São Miguel – FAGRIP between September 25 and 29, in an edition with free entry, 105 exhibitors, and an expectation of over 25 thousand visitors. The event, with origins dating back to 1433, approaches six centuries of existence and is presented by the mayor of Penela, Eduardo dos Santos, alongside the bands Àtoa and Insert Coin, who perform on opening night. The mayor highlighted that the festivities maintain their aggregating function for the community, being an opportunity for penelenses scattered across the country and the world to be together as a family.
The municipal organization invests approximately 200 thousand euros in this edition, which brings together institutions, businesses, artisans, local producers, and restaurant operators. Among the main changes, the installation of a tent of approximately 1,200 square meters in the main stage area stands out, which will allow concentrating performances in a covered space and minimizing the effects of adverse weather conditions. The food stall area receives new operating conditions, with dishwashing services, tables and benches, in addition to improvements in parking and visitor guidance. The use of reusable cups as an environmental measure is maintained.
The music program begins on September 25 with Àtoa and Insert Coin, followed by The Gift and Pete Tha Zouk on the 26th. Rosinha performs on the 27th, the same date when the traditional Walnut and Onion Fair also begins. On the 28th, the program moves to Praça da República, in the town center, with a more traditional proposal aimed at families. The edition concludes on September 29, Municipality Day, with a ceremonial session that includes a tribute to municipal workers and the awarding of honorary distinctions.
The 29th will also be marked by the inauguration of the House of Knowledge and Territory, installed in a rehabilitated building in the historic area of Penela. The new facility will function as a welcoming and presentation point for the municipality, able to host exhibitions, small-scale concerts, and artistic residencies. Eduardo dos Santos considered that São Miguel is also an opportunity to project Penela beyond the municipality, at a time when the executive seeks to consolidate population recovery and reinforce the attractiveness of the territory.
