Guarda City Festival and Franca Cavalhadas Kick Off Summer Celebrations

The Festas da Cidade da Guarda in Portugal opened on Monday with a concert by the PSP Symphony Band to mark its 45th anniversary. A week‑long programme includes performances by Chico da Tina, Wet Bed Gang, Mundo Segundo & Sam The Kid, Calema and others, with most concerts priced at €5 and the Calema show at €7.50. Tickets are also available as a general pass for €20, and children up to 12 enter free.

At the same time, Brazil’s historic Cavalhadas da Franca is preparing for its 195th edition on 1‑2 August at Parque Fernando Costa. The free‑entry event features about 200 participants, including 27 horses, 12 Moorish and 12 Christian riders, plus a princess and princes. Organizer Mario de Castro highlighted intense rehearsals and community involvement to keep the tradition alive.