The ‘Vai à Vila’ urban markets, organised by Famalicão Municipal Council, are returning to the town centre. This April, the main highlight is the Book Market, which from 23 to 26 April will transform Praça D. Maria II into an open-air bookshop, with the participation of local publishers and bookshops.

The programme kicks off on Thursday, 23 April, with the launch of Custódio Oliveira’s book “Governar é Comunicar” at 18h00. On Friday 24th, the highlight is the poetry concert “Fragmentos” at 21h30, followed on Saturday by the discussion “Voices of local literature”, bringing together Famalicão-based authors Ana Marques, Maria João Mesquita and Miguel Coelho. The final day of the event, Sunday, features a session with author João Miguel Tavares, moderated by Jorge Reis-Sá, at 16h00. The market will be open from 10h00 to 19h00 on Thursday and Sunday, and will remain open until 10.00 pm on Friday and Saturday.

Ahead of the literary programme, Praça D. Maria II will host the Essência Market this coming weekend, on 11 and 12 April. This event is dedicated to well-being and esotericism, offering everything from crystals and incense to reiki, tarot and astrology readings. On Saturday, the market is open from 10h00 to 21h00, whilst on Sunday opening hours extend until 18h00, with the afternoon enlivened by a concert by Famalicão-born musician Miguel Riva, an initiative of the cultural project “The Village”.

It should be noted that these initiatives aim to encourage socialising in public spaces; however, the programme is subject to change should weather conditions make this necessary.