It is with great pleasure and excitement that Gouveia welcomes another edition of the International Song Festival “Serra da Estrela” (FICSE), an event that celebrates music as a universal expression of talent, creativity and unity among people and cultures.

Over the years, FICSE has established itself as an important cultural event, offering unique opportunities to young performers and encouraging the meeting of different artistic perspectives. More than a competition, this Festival is a space for sharing, emotion and inspiration, where music becomes a common language that brings people together and creates lasting memories.

For Gouveia, it is a privilege to be associated with an initiative that values culture, promotes and showcases our region, helps drive its development, and strengthens the ties that connect communities from different parts of the world.

To all participants, organizers and public, I would like to express my appreciation and thanks, and I hope that this 2026 edition will be enjoyed with enthusiasm, passion and a true spirit of celebration.

May music continues to inspire us and bring us together.

Jorge Abrantes Cardoso Ferreira

Mayor of Gouveia 

It is with great pleasure that EMG – Associação Cultural do Centro once again joins the International Song Festival of Serra da Estrela (FICSE), an event that attests the importance of culture, music and artistic creativity at the heart of our region.

In a country where cultural opportunities are often concentrated in major urban centers, initiatives such as FICSE play a vital role in promoting and celebrating inland regions, creating opportunities for people to come together, share experiences and contribute to cultural development. Held in Gouveia, in the stunning Serra da Estrela region, the Festival helps to project artistic talent, bring communities closer together and strengthen the cultural identity that makes this area so unique.

We firmly believe that investing in culture is investing in the future. Projects of this scale contribute to energize local communities, inspiring new generations of artists and reinforcing the connection between people and the cultural heritage that unites us.

EMG – Cultural Association of the Centre is proud to be partner of this initiative and congratulates everyone involved in making the Festival possible. We hope that FICSE will continue to grow and establish itself as an important cultural reference both nationally and internationally.

Jorge Rodrigues

President of Escola de Música de Gouveia – Associação Cultural do Centro 

Growing pains – that is the current (and healthy) state of the International Song Festival of Serra da Estrela. Now in its ninth edition over eleven years – only the pandemic prevented a perfect count – the Festival continues to break records on several fronts: the number of contestants (60), the number of accompanying people, and the number of countries represented (22). Particularly noteworthy are the eight countries taking part for the first time: Bahrain, Cyprus, Indonesia, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America and Venezuela.

The role of the individualities who compose the international jury is determinant. Constituted by vocal coaches, composers and directors of music academies, the jury is a central pillar of the Festival. The presence of these distinguished personalities, both individually and collectively, brings a level of prestige that places FICSE – if we may be forgiven a touch of pride – in the “Premier League” of international song competitions.

The move of this Festival from Seia to Gouveia, two years ago, made possible a successful partnership with an institution that has long been a regional stronghold in music education and cultural promotion: the Escola de Música de Gouveia – Associação Cultural do Centro (Gouveia School of Music). Much of the success and impact achieved by last year’s edition was undoubtedly thanks to the work and influence of EMG–ACC.

A word of thanks is due to the Municipality of Gouveia for its continued support of the International Song Festival of Serra da Estrela. Our gratitude also extends to the Junta de Freguesia de Gouveia and to all the private companies that associate the prestige of their brands with this initiative.

One final note: this Festival does not take place only in the interior of the walls of the Teatro-Cine de Gouveia. It is also in the streets, engaging directly with the local community. Last year there was a parade accompanied by traditional drumming groups; this year, it will be the sound of concertinas to make itself heard. And there will be, of course, plenty of informal musical gatherings and performances out of the competition, taking place in terraces and other venues around town.

It’s our conviction that this ninth edition of FICSE will bring, once again, great music and joy to Gouveia!

Nuno Figueira

Director of the Festival