São Mateus Fair in Viseu starts on August 7th (and has a new square)

The 633rd edition of the São Mateus Fair, whose program was presented tonight, will last 46 days and, in addition to the new gastronomic offerings, promises many sports and sustainability activities, music for all tastes and entertainment spaces for children and adults.

The fair's stage will be occupied by names such as Matias Damásio (August 8), Dillaz (August 9), Para Sempre Marco (August 15), Nininho Vaz Maia (August 19), Bárbara Tinoco (August 22), Miguel Araújo (August 23), Carolina de Deus (August 26), Bispo (September 13) and João Só (September 16).

"It is amazing to look at the history of our fair and realize how much it has evolved, growing with the city and the community. A qualitative growth, recognized by the public, but also evident in the various national and international awards won so far", highlighted the mayor of Viseu, Fernando Ruas.

The mayor highlighted the fact that it is "a harmonious growth, which values ​​the traditions and customs acquired over the years, without forgetting the necessary modernization of the event, reflected in the changes that have been implemented with a view to improving the space and the offer".

In Fernando Ruas' opinion, "each year, the Feira de São Mateus reaches another level of maturity, consolidating itself as a strong and identifying brand in the central region of the country".

The president of Viseu Marca (the entity organizing the fair), Pedro Alves, recalled that "the fair was, very recently, distinguished by Turismo Centro Portugal with the Event award for the contribution it makes to the development and notoriety of the Central region and for the unique role it plays in this regard".

"We will certainly continue this mission in this new edition and boost tourism and the region's economy. As we do every year, we expect thousands of Portuguese people, emigrants and tourists to attend one of the largest and most important events in the central region and in the country," he stressed.

In terms of sports, around 60 activities are planned for amateurs and professionals, including the 42nd Carlos Lopes Half Marathon, the 4th Gaming Tournament, the 4th Cycling Marathon, the 2nd BTT Ride, the 4th Padel Tournament and a Martial Arts Tournament that will be held for the first time.

The organization continues to focus on sustainability and, in this context, will present as new features two murals created by students from schools in Viseu on this theme (which will be placed at two of the entrances to Campo do Viriato) and the Environmental Awareness Route (where visitors will find, throughout the venue, information about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals).

On August 29th, Mateus Fest returns for the second year, a festival designed especially for a younger audience.

The names of Van Zee, Lon3r Johny and ProfJam have already been confirmed and, in the next few days, the festival's headliner should be announced.

Fernando Ruas considered that "Mateus Fest has gained its own identity and is heading into its second year with an excellent lineup" that will please young audiences.

"The motto for this year's edition is 'Viseu, the city to be happy' and we have, once again, a São Mateus Fair and a Mateus Fest that guarantee many happy moments, the creation of good memories, lots of fun and with a lot on offer for all audiences", highlighted Pedro Alves.

Read Also: 'My Name is Nobody'. Mariana Arroja releases fado album in the USA