Traking Transfers invites you to a new addition to the region's cultural calendar: the Bienal de Odemira — Arte e Ciência, whose Edição Zero takes place from 3 to 5 October 2026, under the theme "Tentemos" ("Let's try"). Organised by the Odemira Municipality and curated by Hugo Cruz, the Biennial is entirely free of charge.
The Mira River valley and the town of Odemira, seen from the Miradouro do Bemparece.
What the Biennial is about
Part of Odemira's Plano Municipal de Cultura 2030, the Biennial sets out to become an international platform for creation, research and exchange, bringing together artists, scientists, local communities and audiences at the crossroads of art, science and critical thought. This first edition — a deliberate "first sketch," in the curator's own words — unfolds through conversations, walks, workshops, installations and concerts, using public space and everyday places as stages.
Programme highlights
3 October — Opening day, Jardim Sousa Prado
- Opening session and presentation of the Madalena Victorino International Artistic Creation Grant
- Fabric-stamping workshop with Berlin artist Emma-France Raff ("Raubdruckerin")
- "A Esquina é o Centro" — a walking conversation on territory and identity with Luiz Rufino and Paula Cardoso
- Opening of "Selva Coragem," a garden-installation by Teatro do Frio built from plants loaned by Odemira residents (antiga Abastecedora)
- "Tentemos Confluências entre Arte e Ciência" — a conversation linking art, science and territory
- Party Lab, a family-friendly performative workshop turning phones into instruments of collective creation (Igreja da Misericórdia, 21h30)
4 October, various venues
- "Tentemos o Lugar" — a conversation on landscape and memory, at Jardim Ribeirinho do Mira
- "Música das Esferas," a sound workshop for children (4-14 years, registration required)
- "Tentemos a Experiência da Arte Pública" — a walk revisiting Odemira's tradition of public sculpture
- Opening of "(enlaça o ficar!)," an installation by Carlos Noronha Feio, at the Biblioteca Municipal José Saramago
- Evening concert by Adam Ben Ezra, award-winning double bassist, at the Terminal Rodoviário de Odemira
The Biblioteca Municipal José Saramago, built over the old castle walls, hosts the installation "(enlaça o ficar!)".
5 October — Closing day
- "Corpo em Cadeia," an open exercise and conversation with the Odemira prison community (limited capacity)
- "Tentemos," a large-scale community spectacle by ondamarela and fado singer Gisela João, with residents of the Odemira municipality — a procession from Praça da República to Cerro do Peguinho
- Closing party and community dinner at Cerro do Peguinho, with DJ sets by Lava Gull & Hi-Faï and Dj Xitãozinho
The Portuguese guitar, the instrument fado singer Gisela João brings to the closing spectacle "Tentemos".
Throughout the three days, the installation "Selva Coragem" remains open to visitors, and the fabric-stamping workshop with Emma-France Raff runs daily.
International Meeting of Programmers and Curators
Running in parallel, from 3 to 5 October, an International Meeting of Programmers and Curators brings cultural professionals from Portugal and abroad to Odemira, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Sabóia and São Luís, to meet the municipality's artists and collectives and build new networks of collaboration.
Where it happens: on the same route as the Fisherman's Trail
Vila Nova de Milfontes, one of the Biennial's venues, is also a key stop on the Fisherman's Trail — the finishing point of Stage 2 (Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes) and the starting point of Stage 3. Walkers covering the trail's northern stages in early October can easily combine a day on foot with an evening at the Biennial.
Getting there with Traking Transfers
Traking Transfers can help you fit the Biennial into your Rota Vicentina trip:
- Transfers between your accommodation and the Biennial's venues (Odemira, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Sabóia, São Luís)
- Luggage transport if you're walking the Fisherman's Trail and want to extend your stay to catch the festival
- A fresh Lunch Pack (salad or sandwich, with fruit and water) for a day that mixes walking and culture
Book your transfer with Traking Transfers and add the Bienal de Odemira to your next visit to the Rota Vicentina.
Full programme and more information
All Bienal de Odemira activities are free of charge; some workshops require prior registration. For the full schedule, exact venues and updates:
👉 Instagram: @bienaldeodemira 👉 cm-odemira.pt — Município de Odemira
Stay tuned to our social media and website for more events along the Rota Vicentina.