Welcome to Montalegre - Portugal and to the 188th edition of the Forum Song Contest (FSC).
Theme: ‘Portugal: A Land of Mysticism’
Winner FSC September 2024
Congratulations! ^^
The Host city for this FSC #188-edition is: Montalegre - Portugal. It is a village & is a municipality
in northern Portugal , located in the district of Vila Real , along the border with Spain . In spite of a
small population of ca 9000 -10.000, it is the 17th largest municipality area wise in the country (&
nr 1, the largest of them all in the North of Portugal) which makes it quite rich, special and unique
Early construction in Montalegre dates back 3500-4000 years, when early inhabitants, around the
villages of Mourela, Veiga and Vila da Ponte buried their dead in funeral mounds. Vestiges of this
culture predominate the region, and suggest that settlements have been ongoing since the Metal
Ages ( a period from ca 6000 years ago, with the advent of smelting of metal, to around 500 BC ).
Celt colonies began to appear afterward, constructing castros in many of the places that develop
ed into formal settlements. With the arrival of the Romans, bridges and formal roads began to ap
pear while many of the castros began to be converted into Roman encampments, later the nuclei
of formalized settlements. Remains of the Roman civitas ( citizen community ) are still common.
With the establishment of the Christian kingdom of Portugal , Afonso Henriques ( nicknamed the
Conqueror and the Founder by the Portuguese, the first king of Portugal) donated portions of the
land for charitable hospices ( Salto ) , hospitals ( Vilar de Perdizes and Dornelas ) or monasteries
(Pitões). Owing to its location, on the border with Galiza, defense fortifications were constructed.
These included the Castles of Gerês and Piconha, and later in Portelo & the village of Montalegre
A lighthouse was also constructed in Tourém likely by King Sancho (nicknamed the Populator) in
1187 , as he was the master of the Terras da Piconha region . It was only in September 1273 that
King Afonso III bestowed on the citizens a foral (a charter) thus founding the town of Montalegre
After the Portuguese Interregnum ( a war of succession in Portuguese history, 1383-1385, during
which no crowned king of Portugal reigned) during the reign of King John I of Portugal the Terras
de Barroso (the traditional name of the region formed by the Portuguese municipalities of Monta
legre and Boticas) were offered as a gift to Nuno Álvares Pereira (famed general) for his support.
In 1809 French troops had problems in the region, during the Peninsular Wars, fighting off the Ba
rrosões, in Misarela. In 1836, the municipality of Montalegre was divided to create the municipal
ity of Boticas. In course, the parishes of Vilar de Vacas was lost to the neighbouring municipality
of Vieira do Minho, & later the parish of Couto Misto de Santiago de Rubiás was also de-annexed
Contemporary history of the municipality has been marked by growing emigration, the result of a
lack of economic recourse and the abandonment of traditional activities. The institutionalization
of local government, permitted a revitalization in the municipality , after the Carnation Revolution
in 1974 , when the authoritarian government was overthrown , with a growth in tertiary activities.
‘Portugal: A Land of Mysticism’
‘Sexta-Feira 13' - Noite das Bruxas’
Portugal is a Land of Mysticism , and like many other countries has its own traditions of folklore,
myths , fairytales and legends that have been passed down for generations . Folktales tell us our
history, they describe where we live, what our values are and ultimately who we are in the context
of our culture and our region . Superstitions have been a part of humankind since the very beginn
ing and the fantastic has played a part in people’s lives in some way for thousands of years. In so
me places the mysticism and myths are celebrated in special events, like in Montalegre, Portugal.
‘Sexta-Feira 13’ is such a special cultural and tourist event that takes place in the village of Monta
legre , celebrating superstition, associated with Friday the 13th . It is held on every Friday the 13th
in the calendar and is known for its mystical and immersive atmosphere . These are its elements:
Mysticism and Witchcraft Theme : Montalegre is historically connected to folklore , legends , and
superstitions about witches and witchcraft. The event explores this imagery, offering a unique ex
perience where mysticism is the central theme. During the event the village transforms into a spa
ce filled with many exciting creative performances about rituals, witches, sorcery, & local legends
Street Performances: The event includes various outdoor theatrical performances, historical recre
ations, and enactments of myths and rituals related to the world of witches. Ghostly & mysterious
figures roam the streets with Halloween-type masks creating an immersive experience for visitors
Rituals & Reenactments: One of the highlights is the "Auto de Fé" , a theatrical reenactment where
a "sorcerer" is judged and condemned to a symbolic bonfire recreating inquisitorial practices. This
moment draws a large crowd of excited spectators , & known for its impactful, visual presentation
Market and Gastronomy: During the event there's a market where local artisanal products are sold
, along with food & drink stands promoting the regional cuisine of Trás-os-Montes. Traditional dish
es like "cozido barrosão" or local sausages are highlights paired with famous wine from the region
Nocturnal Atmosphere : The event intensifies at nightfall , when the lighting & visual effects create
a darker, more enigmatic atmosphere. The streets of the village are decorated with mystical symb
ols , and cultural activities increase in strength & intensity , providing a unique sensory experience
Sexta-Feira 13, in Montalegre's gained increasing popularity over the years , attracting thousands
of visitors from all over Portugal and abroad . It has become one of the most iconic events in the
region , something that gives it identity , celebrating Montalegre's popular culture -and- traditions.
Montalegre is one of the two municipalities that compose the region of Barroso. The Peneda-Ger
ês National Park, comprises 26.26% of its area ( 211.74 km² out of total 806.19 km² belonging to
that park ). Montalegre has a large natural component. In the parish of Cabril, in the municipality,
there is a group of seven waterfalls known as the 7 Lagoas . These are a major tourist attraction.
The 7 Lagoas de Cabril are among the most beautiful lagoons in the Peneda-Gerês National Park
Peneda-Gerês was given its name by its two main granite massifs, the Serra da Peneda & the Ser
ra do Gerês which, with the Serra Amarela and the Serra do Soajo constitute the park's highest pe
aks (mountain tops). The park too has a beautiful valley with an absolutely fascinating landscape
In the beautiful landscape is also the Misarela Bridge (Ponte da Misarela) located over the Raba
gão River. It's about 1 km from its mouth in the Cávado River connecting the parishes of Ruivães
& Campos in the municipality of Vieira do Minho & Ferral, in the region of Montalegre. The bridge
has two access points : one is on the Vieira do Minho side, and the other on the Montalegre side.
Fojo do Lobo de Fafião , constructions created as ancient traps for wolves , which had put fear in
the mountainpeople due to attacks on grazing animals as well as their association with the other
world, are considered a cultural heritage. They only appear in the north of the Iberian Peninsula &
represent a symbol of the region’s history & culture , & of the struggles between men, and wolves
It is a granite structure with converging walls, and the pit is circular in shape. The walls are appro
ximately 64 metres long , with an average height of 2.17 metres . It is not known for sure, when it
was built, but it is believed to date back to the 18th century. It was restored in the mid-19th centu
ry and it later underwent improvement and cleaning works as recently as in the 1980s and 1990s
At an elevation of 1.000 meters , above sea level , Montalegre has a cool, Mediterranean climate.
The landscape beckons many visitors , a place of history and nature. Important & popular events
in the municipality of Montalegre, besides the mentioned 'Sexta-Feira 13', is the Feira do Fumeiro
(the Smoked Meat Fair), and the Presunto do Barroso (the celebration of the local smoked ham).
Tourists are very welcome in the village, and there are some facilities for lodging (hotel) & eating
(restaurants) . Region sights besides those aforementioned are: Montalegre City Hall, Ecomuseu
de Barroso, Castelo de Montalegre (see below) , Mosteiro de Santa María das Júnias, Pitoes das
Junias Cascata , Minas da Borralha , the Arte da terra gallery , and Igreja De Santo André church.
The Host venue for FSC #188 October 2024 is : the Castelo de Montalegre in Montalegre, Portug
al . It is a stunning medieval castle -and National Monument- located in the heart of the municipa
lity. This historic fortress, with its imposing stone walls and scenic surroundings , offers a unique
and atmospheric setting . The castle’s open courtyard and breathtaking views of the surrounding
mountains create a dramatic , and memorable backdrop , blending tradition & modernity in a way
which makes it a perfect setting for an entertainment event . The venue also ties in perfectly this
evening with the mystical and historic vibe of Montalegre, enhancing the overall experience - em
otional, spiritual & visual - for the audience . They are proud to host this evening’s edition of FSC.
Our wonderful Hosts this evening are:
José Figueiras , Tânia Ribas de Oliveira and Herman José
José Figueiras is a charismatic and experienced Portuguese TV host, well-known for his work on
various entertainment shows . He is a symbol of the Portuguese TV network SIC, as he has been
with the tv station since its inception back in 1992. He is proud to co-host this edition of the FSC
Tânia Ribas de Oliveira is a warm and engaging very popular Portuguese TV host . She is widely
recognized for her considerable work on family-oriented TV shows in Portugal . She has been a
solid presence for years , on RTP1's daytime TV . She is proud to co-host this edition of the FSC
Herman José is a legendary figure, and personality on Portuguese TV. An actor and musician as
well, he's mostly known for bringing humour and a unique sense of comedy (including sketches)
to any event he hosts. He has hosted lots of stars. He is proud to co-host this edition of the FSC
And we are now pleased to announce
The Opening Acts
Exclusive International Guest Appearances
Da Buzz (Sweden)
Andriëtte (South Africa)
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’I Can’t Help Falling For Your Love’
’Ek Moes Dit Gesê Het’
