Crato, Portugal, Aug. 26, 2025 (Lusa) - Wet Bed Gang, Plutonio, Matuê, Skunk Anansie and GNR are some of the highlights of this year's Crato Festival, in the district of Portalegre, which kicks off today in parallel with the county's Crafts and Gastronomy Fair.
Promoted by the Crato Town Council, the festival, which had its first edition in 1984, takes place in the town centre, and this year's programme, which runs until Saturday, includes 21 performances, including DJs.
The festival's director, Joaquim Diogo, emphasised the eclecticism of the line-up and argued that this year's Crato Festival is doing what it "does every year, [which] is to try to be as comprehensive as possible and to cater for many musical tastes".
"We have a way of being where we really like the different generations to be able to experience different rhythms of music and new projects, so that those who visit us are surprised," he added.
The party starts on Tuesday, with "a special day of free admission for everyone, even those who don't have a wristband", which coincides with the opening day of the 39th edition of the Crato Crafts and Gastronomy Fair, which will open at 7 p.m., according to the organisation.
The concerts start at 9:30 p.m., with Vizinhos kicking off this edition of the Crato Festival, followed by performances by Os Raíz (with special guests), Cutting Crew and Remember Old Times.
The second day, Wednesday, will be filled with the hip-hop of Wet Bed Gang, a collective from Vialonga, Vila Franca de Xira, Plutónio, Mizzy Miles and Dadda. At the same time, Thursday is reserved for Brazilian rapper Matuê, Lon3r Johny and ProfJam, the Portuguese Jüra (Joana Silva) and DJ LK from Scotland.
Two of Friday's big names are the British band Skunk Anansie, led by the charismatic Skin, and the Portuguese band GNR, with Rui Reininho headlining.
On this day, there is also a show bringing together Luís Trigacheiro on stage with two special guests, Diogo Piçarra and Buba Espinho, and the night closes with DJ Matcho and Ana Isabel Arroja.
The final day of the festival, on Saturday, is filled with Brazilian singer Daniela Mercury - who has replaced fellow Brazilian Zé Filipe - Portuguese artists Fernando Daniel and Nena and, to close, Insert Coin.
In addition to the music throughout these five days, visitors will be able to appreciate the work on display at the 39th Crato Crafts and Gastronomy Fair.
Over the years, "internationally recognised names" such as the Beach Boys (without the Wilson brothers), The Animals, James, Scorpions or Roger Hodgson (Supertramp) have played at the festival.
RRL/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
