1. President Marcelo Declares That the Restart of the Electric System Was Not Quick Enough

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa stated that the restart of the national electric system after the blackout was not quick enough, emphasizing that this incident revealed vulnerabilities that need to be addressed for the future. The President acknowledged that there were communication problems, particularly with the delay in receiving Civil Protection SMS messages, a fact he noted has been recognized by both the Government and SIRESP.

In his remarks regarding the situation, the President indicated that, although the Government claims the balance is ultimately positive, the opposition highlights new issues that need to be considered. He emphasized that the key lesson from such situations is to prepare for future challenges after experiencing them. As such, he expressed hope that the independent technical commission investigating the blackout would provide valuable insights in a timely manner, and that the country may learn significant lessons from it.

It is important to consider that the President confirmed that he had closely followed the situation, maintaining a respectful stance toward the previous technical commission and avoiding earlier comments.

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2. Government Confirms That More Than 4,500 Immigrants Will Have to Leave Portugal

Over 4,500 immigrants in Portugal will be requested to leave voluntarily within 20 days, with expulsion looming if they fail to comply. This follows the confirmation from the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, that a significant number of residence permit requests have been rejected for reasons such as criminal offenses, irregular stays in other countries, or missing documentation. These notifications come from the Agency for Integration, Migrations, and Asylum (AIMA), part of efforts to regulate immigration in Portugal, which has more than 400,000 pending immigration cases.

More recently, the Portuguese government has adopted a stance of “regulated immigration,” emphasizing that non-compliance with immigration rules will have consequences. For obvious reasons, the Minister stressed the importance of enforcing this law, asserting that immigrants who violate Portuguese and European regulations must face the legal consequences, including a 20-day voluntary departure deadline, after which forced removals will occur. This marks the first batch of notifications stemming from over 18,000 rejected applications that will be processed in a more structured and timely manner.

However, despite the new stance, Minister António Leitão Amaro noted the difficulty in executing forced removals after the abolition of the SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service), and blamed the rejection of government proposals by PS and Chega for exacerbating the issue. Note that the government’s actions reflect the broader goal of resolving long-standing immigration cases and ensuring a more efficient immigration process, with the aim of prioritizing justice for those who comply with the rules. Additionally, it is important to consider that this policy change also follows the termination of the “expressions of interest” program, which allowed immigrants to regularize their status without prior visas.

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3. Electoral Campaign Starts With an Aggressive Tone

The official campaign for the May 18 legislative elections has begun, with party leaders already on the streets, prepared to win over voters in an aggressive tone that is expected to be disengaging and not very enlightening. Key issues such as the ongoing crisis in the National Health Service (SNS), housing affordability, the rising cost of living, and taxes will dominate the political discourse. The controversy surrounding Luís Montenegro’s family business, Spinumviva, has reignited, with the opposition, particularly the PS, seizing the opportunity to tarnish his image, although experts suggest that its media impact may be stronger than its electoral influence.

Many political scientists predict the campaign will be “harsh, aggressive, and violent,” with parties focusing on discrediting opponents. However, they caution that this tone could lead to voter confusion, as the campaign might lack clarity and fail to mobilize the electorate. While both major parties, AD and PS, accuse each other over various issues, including the responsibility for early elections, it seems that the PS is struggling to capitalize on the weakened position of the Prime Minister. Recent polls show that the AD, led by Montenegro, has an advantage in terms of electability and stability, with no signs of a left-wing parliamentary majority emerging.

Note that the campaign will also see an intense focus on tactical voting, with parties looking for the support of smaller parties and independent voters. The PS is positioned to appeal to voters seeking stability, leveraging their achievements like the rise in the minimum wage and pension bonuses. Meanwhile, the AD aims to advocate for strategic voting to weaken the left. Ultimately, the success of these efforts, alongside smaller parties’ attempts to influence government alliances, will shape the outcome of this highly competitive election. The campaign will culminate with the traditional closing parades in Lisbon, where all leaders will face off in a televised debate.

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4. Local Accommodation Pays Higher IRS in Urban Pressure Areas

Owners of Local Accommodation (AL) properties in urban pressure areas pay more IRS compared to those outside these zones. In areas with housing shortages, businesses are taxed on 50% of their earnings, while outside these areas, only 35% of the profits are taxed. This difference is due to the application of the IRS Code’s rules, where tax is applied to earnings under category B (self-employed). Those opting for the simplified regime, available for earnings under €200,000 annually, must apply a coefficient to their earnings, but they cannot deduct actual expenses, only presumed ones.

To declare AL income, taxpayers must open a business activity with the appropriate economic activity code (CAE) and report earnings in the IRS Model 3 declaration. For properties in containment zones, they must also fill in additional sections of the form. If the income exceeds €200,000, the taxpayer must follow the organized accounting regime, where all earnings are taxed, but deductions are allowed for actual expenses. Organized accounting becomes advantageous when activity costs exceed 65% of the income, as it allows for full cost deductions.

Furthermore, Local Accommodation income is subject to the aggregation rule, meaning it is added to other income, such as salaries, for tax purposes. Progressive IRS rates apply, potentially reaching up to 48%, with a solidarity surcharge if applicable. Additionally, any non-refundable reservation amounts are also taxable. However, property owners who convert AL properties to residential rentals can benefit from an exemption on rental income, provided the property was used for AL until 2022 and the rental contract is signed by December 2024.

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5. Looking for Sunny Terraces in Lisbon? There’s an App for That

The Sunseekr app has arrived to revolutionize the search for a spot in the sun, showing which bars and cafés are in the sun in Lisbon at different times of day. The interactive map displays cafés and bars with the most sunlight at any given moment, taking into account the sun’s position and the height of surrounding buildings, offering highly accurate information on sunny or shaded terraces.

Created by Mo Dawod, an architect by training, Sunseekr began as an experimental design project posted on Reddit. Using real-time shadow simulations, Mapbox navigation software, and OpenStreetMap data, the app earned instant praise. According to the words of one Reddit user: “Honestly, this deserves a Nobel Prize.” After its success in London, Lisbon, which is one of Europe’s sunniest capitals, is now filled with “yellow suns” on the app’s map.

The goal is that, with Sunseekr, users can plan ahead and adjust the time in the top bar to see which spots nearby will be bathed in sunlight. If it gets too hot, there is no problem, because the app also shows the best shaded spots to cool down. Note that the team plans to add more places, including restaurants, but, for now, you can use the app to make the most of the best cafés and bars, or consult Time Out’s curated lists for extra guidance.

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6. Eclipse in the Algarve: Four Michelin-Starred Chefs Light Up Solalua

Solalua, the fine dining restaurant at the Viceroy at Ombria Algarve, will become a hilltop retreat where culinary worlds converge to create “Eclipse”, a series of four-hands dinners from May through November. Resident chef Pedro Pinto joins four leading figures of contemporary Portuguese cuisine (Vasco Coelho Santos, Henrique Sá Pessoa, Alexandre Silva, and Louise Bourrat) for intimate experiences limited to just 25 guests each. Each duo crafts a 10-course tasting menu, with five dishes by Pedro Pinto and five by the guest chef, creating a “celebration of creativity and a deep respect for the land.”

The first dinner, with Vasco Coelho Santos (Euskalduna Studio, 1 Michelin star), was set for May 2,3, followed by Henrique Sá Pessoa (Alma, 2 stars) in July, Alexandre Silva (Loco, 1 star) in September, and Louise Bourrat (BouBou’s) in November. Curated by Nelson Marques, author of “Chefs Sem Reservas”, the concept draws from the very soul of Solalua, the sun and the moon, “two celestial bodies that rarely meet, but when they do, magic happens.”

Pedro Pinto’s cuisine is known as poetic, sensory, and deeply rooted in the land, with dishes like a crab cream-filled Bola de Berlim, beignet with goat milk and honey sorbet, and an oyster cocktail with Rocha pear and wild river mint. Set in the American brand’s first hotel in Portugal, where architecture merges with nature and luxury takes on a sense of calm, diners at Solalua enjoy time to feel and the rare chance to “dine under the stars.

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7. Bordalo II Turns Cais do Sodré into a Monopoly Board: “Where the Right to Housing Is Like a Game”

The Portuguese artist Bordalo II has transformed Praça Duque da Terceira, in Cais do Sodré, into a giant Monopoly board titled Provoc. The new installation covers part of the square with a canvas structure that recreates, on a magnified scale, the aesthetic of the classic board game. However, in this case, each “property” bears the name of a Portuguese location like Campo Grande, Rossio, or Avenida de Fernão de Magalhães, and has price tags ranging from €6,000 to €40,000.

Known for using recycled materials and large-scale works, the 38-year-old artist draws attention to social, political, and environmental issues through his interventions. With the title “where the right to housing is like a game,” he attempted to reflect the widespread feeling that the real estate market operates more like a speculative game than an essential right. 

Note that Bordalo II has addressed the housing crisis before, with a work called Local Displacement, in 2024, which consisted of four tents painted to look like houses in central Lisbon. Additionally, he has also tackled themes like the climate crisis, corruption, war, and fascism. Past works include “Freedom – Anti-Fascist Probiotic”, a giant pill box placed on the grave of the Portuguese dictator Salazar, and “Walk of Shame”, a crosswalk made of €500 bills, criticizing the public money spent on World Youth Day.

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8. At This Pop-Up Restaurant, People Eat What Artificial Intelligence Decides

Sem Igual is a pop-up restaurant by Samsung, where guests choose ingredients, and the Samsung Galaxy S25’s AI creates the dishes. With no menu, diners select from 25 ingredients displayed under glass domes, including options like grilled salmon, veal, asparagus, and basmati rice. The goal of the venue, which will be open on May 8 and 9 in Belém, is to create an immersive experience that showcases the potential of AI in culinary creation, where “no dish is the same,” reflecting the name Sem Igual (Without Equal).

The process begins when guests photograph the ingredients they wish to use, upload them to the phone’s AI system, Gemini, and request a recipe. Once the ingredients are recognized (despite occasional misidentifications), the AI generates a customized meal. The final recipe is then sent to a number connected to the kitchen, where a team prepares the dish, with each plate arriving within 30 to 40 minutes. Note that the experience will be free, but reservations are required due to limited seating for 20 people at a time.

After the Lisbon debut, Sem Igual will move to Porto on May 16 and 17, further reinforcing its goal of demonstrating the creative potential of AI and publicizing the new Samsung Galaxy S25, all by offering a unique culinary journey where the intersection of technology and dining provides a personal, experimental experience.

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9. Arroios Market Will Host a Vinyl Fair

The vinyl fair “Analógica” returns to Arroios Market from May 9 to 11 for its second edition, offering free entry to visitors. This year, the fair will feature around 40 exhibitors, including independent Portuguese labels, stores, musicians, and artists such as Príncipe Discos, Cuca Monga, Wasser Bassin, and Mondo Negro. Stalls will showcase vinyl records, cassettes, rare editions, and sound equipment, aiming to offer a comprehensive experience for music enthusiasts.

Alongside record sales, the event will host a program of workshops, live performances, and DJ sessions. Highlights include DJ Johnny Suede’s set blending EBM, Dark Italo, and Leftfield, on Friday, and, on Saturday, workshops on magnetic tape loops by Daniel Pinheiro and Fernando Fadigas, and a badge-making workshop for children with Marta San. Artists GABBEROLAS and Bernardo Álvares will also perform live, with experimental sets fusing improvisation, electronics, and Portuguese tradition.

On May 11, additional workshops include a session on building contact microphones by Diogo Melo, and a special concert by Julinho da Concertina. Note that all activities are free, but workshop participation requires registration via email ([email protected]). When it comes to the opening hours, the fair will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, and, on Saturday and Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

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10. There Are Now 404 Blue Flag Beaches in Portugal 

Portugal now has 404 beaches flying the Blue Flag in 2025, a slight increase from the 398 recognized in 2024. This prestigious distinction, which guarantees high environmental quality, safety, accessibility, and information for bathers, was announced by the Blue Flag Association for Environment and Education (ABAAE) at the Vasco da Gama Aquarium in Oeiras. Note that, along with the blue flag beaches, Portugal has also earned 18 marina awards, 22 ecotourism vessels, and 23 Blue Centres dedicated to environmental education.

Among this year’s highlights is the return of Sintra’s beaches (Adraga, Grande, Maçãs, and Magoito) after a ten-year absence period. This return ensures that, now, every coastal municipality in Portugal has at least one Blue Flag beach, providing continuous coverage across the country.

Apart from these returns, in addition to the Algarve’s continued dominance, the Centre region added several new beaches, including Barra do Sul (Aveiro) and Costa Nova Sul (Ílhavo). The Tagus river basin saw new entries such as Olhos d’Água do Alviela and Alvares, while Alentejo gained more coastal and river beaches, including Monte Velho and Porto das Carretas/Albarquel. The Azores and Madeira also saw new additions, with the Azores having 46 Blue Flag beaches and Madeira 18, including notable beaches such as Prainha in Caniçal.

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A widespread and unprecedented power outage swept across Spain and Portugal on late Monday morning, plunging millions into darkness, paralyzing transportation systems, and triggering major disruptions at airports and hospitals. Authorities now believe that possibly a rare atmospheric phenomenon, such as extreme temperature variations in Spain, led to massive electrical oscillations and synchronization failures across the Iberian Peninsula’s interconnected power grid.

Portuguese grid operator REN (Redes Energéticas Nacionais) reported that the anomaly, known as “induced atmospheric vibration,” affected 400kV high-voltage lines. This caused cascading failures across both countries’ networks and briefly impacted parts of southern France as well. As of Monday afternoon local time, Spain’s Red Eléctrica estimated that it could take between six to ten hours to fully restore power, while REN warned that, in Portugal, it may take up to one week to restore the entire network back to normal due to the complexity of rebalancing electricity flows.

Investigations Are Still Ongoing

European officials, including the European Commission and the European Council president Antonio Costa, emphasized that there is no evidence that the outage was caused by a cyberattack, although investigations are ongoing. Costa remains in direct contact with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro as technical teams work urgently to stabilize the situation.

The blackout brought everyday life to a grinding halt. Traffic lights failed and resulted in chaotic gridlock across major cities like Madrid, Lisbon, Barcelona, and Porto. In Madrid, people poured onto the streets from darkened office buildings as police directed the disorderly traffic and helicopters buzzed overhead. Hospitals across both countries had to rely on emergency generators, while Portugal’s National Institute for Medical Emergencies activated its full contingency plans to keep critical communications operational.

Public transport systems were heavily impacted, with metro services suspended, passengers trapped underground, and trains grinding to a halt. Major airports struggled to operate on backup power. Lisbon and Porto airports warned of operational constraints, while TAP Air Portugal advised passengers to stay home until further notice. Departures were delayed or canceled at major hubs, including Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport and Barcelona’s El Prat Airport.

Ordinary Life Disrupted

At the Madrid Open tennis tournament, matches were suspended mid-play as scoreboards went dark and cameras lost power. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens recounted surreal scenes—such as customers having to leave barbershops mid-haircut due to the abrupt loss of electricity or being unable to pay for groceries as the scanning devices stopped working in the middle of the transactions.

This large-scale power failure is one of the most significant in Europe since Italy’s 2003 blackout. The governments of Spain and Portugal have activated crisis committees to coordinate the ongoing response, and European institutions remain in close contact to support the recovery efforts.

1. Patent and Invention Filings Increase in Portugal: Trade War Could Reshape the Innovation Protection Landscape

Patent and invention filings in Portugal surged 19.3% in the first quarter of 2025, with national inventions reaching 241, reflecting a growing awareness among companies and universities of the need to safeguard intangible assets and secure competitive advantages. Note that IP protection is seen as a key pillar in internationalization processes, ensuring exclusivity and enhancing the value of products and services. At the same time, 73 national inventions were granted rights (up 55.3%) and trademark filings totaled 6,193, increasing 4.5% compared to the previous year.

Despite this growth, experts caution that the increase is still quite limited and dominated by trademarks, while patents (true indicators of innovation and competitiveness) remain less expressive. The lack of effective tools for protecting trade secrets, and misconceptions like relying solely on confidentiality clauses, highlight ongoing vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, validations of European patents in Portugal dropped 23.5%, likely due to the shift toward the unitary patent system, which, despite higher costs, offers protection across 18 countries.

Globally, the U.S.’s protectionist stance under the “America First” agenda is reshaping the strategic environment, diverting Chinese patent filings away from the U.S. toward the EU. This shift may lead to a drop in average patent quality and cuts to R&D investment, while increasing cross-border IP disputes and raising innovation costs. As World Intellectual Property Day 2025 focuses on music in the era of streaming and AI, the evolving landscape of IP highlights the urgency of adapting to geopolitical, technological, and economic transformations.

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2. Portugal Ranked Sixth Among NATO Countries for Least Defense Investment in 2024

Portugal, in 2024, invested 1.46% of its GDP in military expenses, falling below the NATO target of 2%. It ranked sixth among NATO countries for the least defense investment, surpassing only Canada, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Spain. The majority of this spending, 58.6%, went toward personnel, with the largest expenditure since 2014. However, it is relevant to consider that this share allocated to personnel is now smaller than a decade ago, when it reached over 81%, reflecting a reduction in military personnel numbers.

The spending also focused on equipment, accounting for 19.5% of the total investment, which was a notable increase from 8.4% in 2014. However, despite this, Portugal still ranked low in equipment investment compared to other NATO countries, with only Canada and Belgium spending less in relative terms. Additionally, nearly 18% of the defense budget covered operations and maintenance, marking a significant rise from 2014 figures. The remaining funds were allocated to infrastructure, which saw a drastic increase from 0.1% to 3.9%.

Given the context, Portugal’s Ministry of Finance announced plans to request the activation of an escape clause from the European Commission. Note that this clause would allow defense-related expenses, up to 1.5% of GDP, to be excluded from the fiscal limits defined in the national budgetary plan for 2025-2028. Moreover, the government also confirmed that these costs would not be considered in the deficit evaluation, a decision reached in consensus with the largest opposition party.

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3. Portugal Takes 28 Startups to Web Summit Rio

Portugal is sending 28 startups to Web Summit Rio 2025, a key technology summit in Brazil taking place from April 27 to 30. Supported by Startup Portugal and Unicorn Factory Lisboa, the delegation aims to forge partnerships and investment opportunities, with a strong focus on building bridges between the entrepreneurial ecosystems of Brazil and Portugal. Gil Azevedo of Unicorn Factory Lisboa highlights the importance of these connections, aiming to help Portuguese startups access specialized opportunities in Brazil and vice versa.

The collaboration has led to strategic partnerships with major Brazilian incubators, including Instituto Caldeira and Sai do Papel, with discussions for joint programs to support scaleups. The delegation’s presence at the summit follows successful participation in the South Summit in Porto Alegre, reinforcing the goal of fostering closer ties between the two countries. Gil Azevedo notes that these initiatives help Brazilian startups expand into Europe, and Startup Portugal’s Scaling Up program has already facilitated numerous Brazilian companies seeking growth in the European market.

In addition to the 28 startups attending, Startup Portugal is sending 11 more startups via its Business Abroad program, which has already helped raise over seven million euros in investment. The program also focuses on creating business opportunities in Brazil and Latin America. At the summit’s opening, Startup Portugal will organize an event at the Consulate of Portugal in Rio de Janeiro to foster connections between Portuguese startups and key players in the Brazilian ecosystem.

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4. Cascais and Oeiras Design an Alternative Route to the A5

Cascais and Oeiras are planning to implement a new mobility corridor parallel to the A5 highway, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion caused by the heavily trafficked route. Isaltino Morais, Mayor of Oeiras, and Carlos Carreiras, Mayor of Cascais, are working on complementary projects to provide a real alternative for populations and businesses in the area. Oeiras’ plan starts from the EN117 highway, stretching west through key municipalities, while Cascais aims to connect a new expressway to the A5 near the Tires aerodrome, eventually reaching the Autódromo do Estoril and connecting to the A16.

The new routes, which will run north of the A5, have already seen significant negotiations between the two municipalities and Brisa, the company that operates the A5. The implementation of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is central to the project, as it could help fund the new infrastructure, with Brisa potentially covering the full investment if the BRT is approved. If not, the municipalities will share the cost. Isaltino Morais has been vocal in criticizing Brisa and sees the new road as a necessary step to develop Oeiras, even considering tolls to create competition for the A5.

Note that the mayors’ proposals are part of a larger effort to address infrastructure challenges in the region, with discussions also focusing on the management of the Avenida Marginal. Isaltino Morais has expressed interest in transferring the responsibility for this key road from Infraestruturas de Portugal to Oeiras, arguing that the local municipality is better suited to manage the road. The mayor really wants to improve the mobility network. His future plans also involve the development of a new electric vehicle link between Paços de Arcos and Barcarena.

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5. Belém Tower Closes for One Year of Renovation

The Belém Tower in Lisbon has closed for one year to undergo conservation and restoration work as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), with intermittent reopenings possible depending on progress. Built between 1514 and 1520 and classified as a World Heritage site since 1983, the Belém Tower is renowned for its Manueline architectural style, which features unique elements like armillary spheres and crosses from the Military Order of Christ. It is one of the most visited monuments in Portugal, having attracted more than 377,000 visitors in 2023.

The restoration project, valued at 1.05 million euros, aims to ensure the safety of visitors and workers while maintaining the monument’s integrity. Because of the tower’s cultural significance and historical value, the public company Museums and Monuments of Portugal (MMP) is overseeing the work and has committed to evaluating the possibility of opening the tower as each phase of restoration progresses.

Despite the importance of the restoration, the MMP president has expressed concern about the closure of multiple heritage sites in Lisbon in 2025, which coincides with a tourism campaign focused on promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage. As such, to fight the possible backlash, efforts are underway to develop communication strategies to guide tourists to other locations while addressing the temporary closures.

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6. “Vote, But Vote With Conscience.” Fifty Years After Portugal’s First Free Elections

Fifty years ago, Portugal entered a new chapter. On April 25, 1975, the people went to the polls for the first time under a new state of freedom. “The country woke up to democracy with a willingness to try it.” There was no playbook. Just curiosity, hope, and a hunger to be part of something larger. People were seeing the country change and wanted to be part of history. Witnesses say the air was filled with a certain innocence, less malice and cynicism, and a powerful sense that everyone has a right to an opinion.

Campaigns were raw and real. The country was armed to the teeth, and the risk of civil war was imminent. But the people showed up anyway. “The poetry was in the streets.” In packed rooms and tense cafés, speeches turned jeers into applause. A celebration of democracy unfolded against a backdrop of anxiety. Over 90% turned out to vote – the highest ever in a free Portuguese election. They voted not just with ballots, but with belief, because the people wanted to choose.

The Constituent Assembly began on June 2. The deputies embraced the historic mission entrusted to them. There was much oratory, shouting matches, improvisation, and the daily bargaining of politics. But little by little, they began drafting the constitutional text. Skeptics like Álvaro Cunhal became defenders, and, on April 2, 1976, the Constitution was approved. A document of recognized success that would endure, evolve, and guide the country for decades.

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7. Carmo Barracks Is Open for Visits Until May 10, Free of Charge

One of the most emblematic sites of the Carnation Revolution is once again open to the public this year, and the GNR (Portuguese National Republican Guard) invites everyone to visit the Carmo Barracks, located in Largo do Carmo, and learn about the history of this space as part of the celebrations for its 114th anniversary.

The visits take place from Monday to Saturday, including public holidays, with entry through the museum. From there, visitors will follow a route through areas such as the Noble Hall, the Command Offices, the Nun’ Álvares Pereira Corridor, and a balcony with a direct view of Rossio.

Entry is free, but the hours vary depending on the space being visited: the museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM), while the other spaces close one hour earlier, at 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). On weekdays, access to the panoramic balcony is limited between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

Note that the Carmo Barracks was the location where, on April 25, 1974, Marcello Caetano sought refuge before surrendering to the Armed Forces Movement, marking the end of the dictatorship in Portugal.

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8. Pavilhão de Portugal Reopens with Free Concert

The Pavilhão de Portugal in Lisbon will reopen on April 30 with a free concert by Milhanas under the iconic canopy designed by Álvaro Siza for Expo ’98. This concert marks the first of the “Concerto à Pala” series, a new initiative featuring regular free concerts that aim to highlight young national musical talent in an important contemporary architectural space, as explained by the executive director of the University of Lisbon’s facility, Rita Tomé Rocha.

The official reopening on May 1 will include the exhibition “Meu matalote e amigo Luís de Camões,” held in the renovated Exhibition Center. This will feature sculptures by Simões de Almeida and Canto da Maya, as well as paintings by José Malhoa, Columbano, and others, alongside contemporary photography by artists like Candida Höfer and Jorge Molder. The works that will be displayed are on loan from renowned institutions such as the National Museum of Ancient Art and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.

Note that the month of May also brings the inauguration of the 24-hour Study Room, accessible to all students, and the Mega Ferreira Library, along with the Interpretation Center of Parque das Nações. Additionally, on May 10 and 11, the Pavilhão de Portugal will participate in Open House Lisbon, offering free visits to the public.

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9. Free Light and Color Installation Opens at Lisbon’s Amoreiras Shopping Center

The immersive light installation “Rainlight”, by Dutch artist Irma de Vries from Studio Irma, is making its debut in Portugal at Amoreiras Shopping Center, offering a free and highly Instagrammable experience until May 21. The installation features thousands of suspended lights simulating raindrops, creating a sensory universe where light, color, and science unite to promote happiness and well-being. Visitors can experience this vibrant space every day from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with the installation evolving in color and providing an ideal setting for social media photography.

“Rainlight” draws inspiration from the natural phenomenon of rain and its positive effects on the human mind, such as increased calmness and happiness. The artwork embodies these sensations through its dynamic interplay of light, color, and movement, transforming the physical space into an ethereal and luminous environment. The project aims to invoke the subtle communication between nature and humans, evoking feelings of tranquility after rainfall.

Note that Irma de Vries has gained international recognition with her work featured at the Moco Museum in Amsterdam, Barcelona, and London, as well as exhibitions in Brussels and Romania. When asked to reflect on her artistic process, de Vries explained that this work was her attempt to capture the calming, uplifting effect of rain through her unique integration of light, color, and motion.

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10. Jazz em Agosto Presents 2025 Lineup

Jazz em Agosto, the annual festival at the Gulbenkian’s Open-Air Amphitheater in Lisbon, returns for its 41st edition from August 1 to 10, 2025. This year’s lineup features highlights such as Rafael Toral’s “Spectral Evolution”, celebrated for its unique sound, and the world premiere of a collaboration between MOPCUT, Moor Mother, and Dälek.

The opening performance on August 1 will be by Heart Trio, merging African and Eastern influences into spiritual jazz using traditional instruments and self-made objects. Meanwhile, Kris Davis will present Run the Gauntlet, an album honoring six influential women in jazz, while Mariam Rezaei will debut her experimental turntable-driven approach to jazz.

National talents include trumpet player Luís Vicente, who explores improvisation and structure with his trio, and João Próspero, whose album “Sopros” draws inspiration from the writer Haruki Murakami. The final days will see performances from Ahleuchatistas 3, Shane Parish, Thumbscrew, and Elias Stemeseder & Christian Lillinger, culminating in a closing performance by Patricia Brennan’s septet. Overall, the festival promises a diverse array of performances, mirroring the evolution of jazz across genres and styles.

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