Now in its 24th edition, the festival will take place in the village of Sendim, in the municipality of Miranda do Douro, on 1 and 2 August. Headlining this year are Asturian musician Ruben Alba and Scottish group Astro Bloc, both set to perform on Saturday night.

The opening day will feature performances by local group Arrebenta a Gaita de Sendim and the Orquestra de Foles, with Galician band Breo closing the evening.

Festival director Mário Correia explains that the decision to focus again on Atlantic folk traditions aligns with the original concept from the festival’s inception in 2000. “In recent years, we ‘ve leaned more towards Castile and León, but this year we’re returning to our Atlantic roots, partly because we had the chance to invite a Scottish band touring the Iberian Peninsula,” he said.

The festival caters to diverse musical tastes – Ruben Alba appeals to rock-leaning audiences, while Astro Bloc brings a traditional folk sound with a modern twist. Local bagpipers from northeastern Trás-os-Montes also feature prominently, with performances scheduled across both stages.

Now celebrating 25 years (with two editions missed due to the pandemic), FIS remains committed to its founding ethos – promoting traditional and root-based music through dynamic and creative young acts, and resisting fleeting trends or favouritism.

Beyond music, the festival includes craft stalls, books, records, local food, and unique offerings like Celtic liqueur, cultural gatherings, and talks – all set in the rich cultural landscape of the Planalto Mirandês.