The São Mateus Fair in Viseu is open until September 21st. Here's the poster

Viseu Marca - "Viseu's territorial marketing and branding association", created in 2016, on the initiative of the Municipality of Viseu and the Business Association of the Viseu Region (AIRV) -, organizer of the event, which runs until September 21, states, in a press release, that this "is one of the biggest editions ever".

Opened tonight at 9:30 pm by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, the fair is taking place under the motto "Viseu, the city to be happy".

"The commitment to sustainability is reinforced, in both social and environmental aspects, with a space that supports autistic children and an environmental awareness route with the 17 objectives of the United Nations (UN); a new food court and the renovated eel area, as well as entertainment," highlights the organization.

Sport is another highlight of the centuries-old event, and this year, "around 60 activities for amateurs and professionals" are scheduled, including, for example, the 42nd Carlos Lopes Half Marathon and a martial arts tournament, which is being held for the first time.

Over the 46 days of the fair, musicians such as the Danish Lukas Graham, Matias Damásio, Dillaz, Calema, Fernando Daniel, Nininho Vaz Maia, Bárbara Tinoco, Miguel Araújo, Carolina de Deus, Joana Almeirante, MarizaBispo, João Só, Father Guilherme and Rita Guerra will take to the stage.

Musical bands such as GNR, Gipsy Kings, Canta Baía, Táxi, Fingertips will also perform and there will also be a tribute to Marco Paulo, entitled "Para Sempre Marco".

On August 29th, the second edition of Mateus Fest will take place, aimed at younger people, with Brazilian rapper Matûe as the headliner, with Van Zee, Lon3r Johny and ProfJam and DJ Perez performing before.

"The Fair is a true stage for happiness and reunions, for Viseu residents and friends, from near and far, for our emigrants and neighbors alike. Each year, despite its six centuries of history, it reinvents itself to rise to the occasion and meet the demands of the public, while always preserving and valuing its identity, flavors, and traditions. This is what makes it authentic, genuine, and unique in its entirety," emphasizes Fernando Ruas, the mayor of Viseu, in the same press release.

Viseu Marca's president, Pedro Alves, believes it's "a major national event" that aims to be "for everyone, inclusive." Therefore, it makes a "strong commitment to sustainability, not only from an environmental perspective, but also, and very importantly, from a social perspective."

"The space we created this year to support autistic children is proof of this," he emphasizes, adding to the existing space for people with reduced mobility to watch the shows.

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