Alfama ends eight-year drought to win 2026 Lisbon Popular Marches, Alcântara second

Alfama returns to the top after eight years

Alfama won the 2026 edition of the Concurso das Marchas Populares de Lisboa for the first time since 2018, organisers EGEAC confirmed on Saturday morning. The winning march performed under the theme "Os santos devem estar loucos" ("The saints must be crazy"), which the EGEAC described as a depiction of the contrast between the march tradition and the changes felt in the neighbourhood. The coordinator of Alfama's march, João Ramos, dedicated the victory to former residents who had to leave the district.

As long as there is an Alfama march, the traditions and customs of the Alfama neighbourhood will always be defended. That is what the people wanted and that is what we wanted to give them, the rest is just the cherry on top.

He added a message to those who no longer live in the area and cannot jump the bonfire or smell the sweet basil on Saint Anthony's night: "Alfama, like all other neighbourhoods, you are born in Alfama and you die in Alfama." The godparents of this year's entry were singer Áurea and Paulo Battista.

The competition

Twenty neighbourhood groups paraded along Avenida da Liberdade on Friday night, evaluated by a jury chaired by Vítor Agostinho. The jury assessed costumes, music, and original choreography. The final ranking placed Alfama first, Alcântara second, and Madragoa third, followed by Graça, Bairro Alto, Beato and Bica tied for sixth, Carnide and Olivais tied for eighth, and Mouraria rounding out the top ten. Last year the contest had been won jointly by Alcântara and Bairro Alto.

Special awards

Beyond the overall podium, several categories recognised individual craft. Alfama shared Best Choreography with Madragoa, while Alcântara took Best Scenography and shared Best Costume with Bica. Best Lyrics went to Alcântara, Alfama, Graça, and Olivais. The awards for Best Musicality went to Alto do Pina and Alfama. Best Original Composition was awarded to Alfama for "Os santos devem estar loucos," to Graça for "Na Graça o 13 é sorte," and to Alcântara for "À moda de Alcântara." Alfama also won the prize for Best Parade on the avenue.

Opening and festivities

The parade opened with the Chinese folk tradition of the Dragon Dance and the Golden Lions, presented by the Macau Lo Leong General Sports Association. Before the competitive marches, the Children's March of Lisbon Schools, the Children's March A Voz do Operário, the Markets March, and the Santa Casa March also took the avenue. The march contest is part of the wider Festas de Lisboa, which features more than 40 mostly free initiatives throughout June, including concerts and outdoor cinema.

Eight years later, the Alfama March is once again winning the Lisbon Popular Marches competition, with the theme 'The saints must be crazy', which portrays the contrast between the march tradition and the changes felt in the neighbourhood.