The celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Crato Gastronomy and Handicraft Fair, and the opening of the Crato Festival, set the tone for a working day in which 3 new tourist projects were presented that value the Destination and the Alentejo Brand
Secretary of State for Tourism: “The Crato brand is a national brand today, but it is also an international brand.” At the opening of the 40th Crato Handicrafts and Gastronomy Fair (Crato Festival), the Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce, and Services highlighted the role of events in attracting and retaining visitors, and pointed to gastronomy and handicrafts as strategic assets for tourism and local economies..
The Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce, and Services, Pedro Machado, stated that the Crato brand has transcended the national level to achieve international prominence, highlighting the track record established over the 40 editions of the Crato Handicraft and Gastronomy Fair—the Crato Festival.
During the opening ceremony of the event’s 40th edition, which kicked off this Tuesday, August 25, the official attributed the brand’s consolidation to continuity and strategic planning over recent decades.
“The Crato brand is a national brand today, but it is also an international brand,” stated Pedro Machado, adding that establishing a brand in the marketplace is a process that takes decades.
The Secretary of State drew a parallel with the evolution of tourism in Portugal, arguing that predictability, consistent public policy, and planning are decisive factors in the consolidation of destinations.
The Crato Festival returns to Alto Alentejo for another edition marked by musical diversity, bringing together artists of different generations, styles and origins. The 2026 edition takes place between August 25th and 29th in the town of Crato, also including the traditional Handicrafts and Gastronomy Fair.
The program combines established names in Portuguese music with artists from new generations and international guests. Among the main names on the bill are Calum Scott, Calema, Slow J, Bispo, Sara Correia, Delfins, Buba Espinho, Soraia Ramos, Papillon, Veigh, and Dub Inc.
Portuguese music takes center stage, with different styles represented throughout the festival’s four main days. Audiences will be able to listen to fado, hip-hop, pop, rock, kizomba, electronic music, and other genres, in a program designed to appeal to audiences of all ages.
The diversity of the program is one of the characteristics that continues to distinguish the Crato Festival. The presence of artists with different backgrounds and audiences creates a meeting space for various generations, maintaining a connection between contemporary music and the cultural identity of the region.
Music, crafts and gastronomy
The festival also maintains its connection to the Handicrafts and Gastronomy Fair, which this year celebrates its 40th edition. The event thus combines concerts with the promotion of regional products, handicrafts, gastronomy, and traditions of the Alto Alentejo region.
The cultural and gastronomic component is an important part of the Crato experience, allowing visitors to discover local products and traditions while enjoying the musical program.
This year’s edition also includes a free entry night on August 25th, before the four main days of the festival. That first day will feature, among others, A Batalha do K-Pop, Elyas, and Gipsy King by Diego Baliardo.
A poster for different audiences.
On August 26th, Bispo, Dub Inc, Slow J, and Zanova will take the stage. The following day, the lineup includes Soraia Ramos, Papillon, Veigh, and Breyth.
On August 28th, the lineup brings together Sara Correia, Delfins, Calema, and Kura, in an evening that blends fado, pop-rock, African music, and electronic music.
The closing event, on August 29th, will feature Buba Espinho, Calum Scott, Karetus, and the Remember Old Times project.
The organization seeks, in this way, to maintain a balance between Portuguese and international artists, between names already known to the general public and new musical offerings.
One of the great summer festivals in Alentejo.
Held in the heart of Alto Alentejo, the Crato Festival has established itself as one of the region’s main cultural and musical events. Its connection to the Handicrafts and Gastronomy Fair brings together music, culture, tradition and tourism in the same space.
In addition to the musical program, the festival offers a camping area and has enhanced transportation options this year to facilitate the arrival of visitors. Measures include discounts on train and bus journeys for ticket holders, as well as special transport routes to Crato.
More than just a music festival, the event continues to establish itself as a meeting point between generations and different cultural expressions. The 2026 edition maintains this identity, focusing on a diverse lineup and an experience that combines music, gastronomy, crafts, and Alentejo tradition.
