MED Festival begins today in Loulé

Loulé‘s historic centre is coming alive today (June 25) as the 22nd edition of the MED Festival gets underway, promising four days of music, culture and gastronomy in what organisers describe as the event’s most international edition yet.

Running until Saturday, June 28, the festival will welcome artists from 30 countries, with more than 50 concerts spread across multiple stages in the town’s medieval streets and squares.

This year’s line-up features internationally renowned names including Goran Bregović, Salif Keita, Sean Kuti & Egypt 80, Tiken Jah Fakoly and Portuguese music legend Sérgio Godinho, alongside performers from countries including Cuba, Chile, Pakistan, Hungary, Angola and Cabo Verde.

Beyond the music, visitors can enjoy international cuisine, street performances, exhibitions, artisan markets and cultural activities that have made MED one of Portugal’s most distinctive summer festivals. The expanded festival site also includes a new MED Lounge, a larger street food area and the full integration of Loulé Municipal Market into the programme.

The festival concludes on Saturday with its popular Open Day, when entry is free and visitors can enjoy concerts, Mediterranean gastronomy showcookings, traditional music and a preview of this year’s Loulé Jazz Festival.

One of the highlights of the closing programme will be Filarmonia Campaniça, an original collaboration between the RAIA project, the Moçoilas vocal group and the Sociedade Filarmónica Artistas de Minerva, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary.

Day tickets cost €15, while four-day passes are available for €40. Tickets can be purchased online or at the festival ticket offices.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.