Lagos once again immerses itself in the epic spirit of the Discoveries with the 12th edition of this biannual Lagos event, with the usual participation of the local forces. It is an invitation to travel through time and space, with a 16th century Fair, shows, historical recreations, exhibitions, workshops, conferences, guided tours, permanent entertainment and other surprises.

The event kicks off with the Historical Parade, featuring over 2,000 participants in period costumes marching from Avenida dos Descobrimentos to Praça do Infante, joined by the Ambassador of Japan and the Decolar community.

Over five days, the 16th Century Fair takes over Praça do Infante and Jardim da Constituição with merchants, artisans, taverns, and nonstop entertainment. Throughout the grounds, visitors can enjoy historical reenactments, live shows, interactive zones, and themed experiences that bring the past to life—ranging from a Moorish camp with dromedaries and warriors, to military displays with cannon fire and weapons training, family-friendly games, cavalry tournaments, a modular caravel build with Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos, and even boat trips aboard the Santa Bernarda to evoke the spirit of adventure.

This year, Japan plays a key role, connecting the voyages of 16th-century Portuguese explorers with Japanese culture through immersive experiences. In Jardim da Constituição, Espaço Japão invites visitors to discover Japanese cuisine, crafts, and traditional arts. There will be Kyudo (Japanese archery) demonstrations, along with workshops on origami, calligraphy, furoshiki, mizuhiki, and kirigami, plus tastings of sushi and sweets like daifuku mochi. At the Regimental Warehouse, the exhibition Kakure Kirishitan – Hidden Christians sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of Japan’s religious history.

At night, major performances take over the Palco da Muralha and the Cais do Forte Ponta da Bandeira. The festival opens with Circle of Fire, a show of fire and expressive movement; powerful Taiko drums take centre stage on 2 May; and the dazzling Samurai Station blends theatre, visual art, and pyrotechnics. On 3 and 4 May, the show Tanegashima recreates the arrival of the Portuguese in Japan aboard the Santa Bernarda vessel, followed by The First Love, a dramatisation of the forbidden romance between Princess Wakasa and Fernão Mendes Pinto.

The program also features guided tours that uncover the historical and geological layers of Lagos. These include the Slavery Route, walks through the historic centre exploring the city’s building stones, and guided visits to Forte Ponta da Bandeira and the Caravela Boa Esperança.

Taking the experience beyond the main festival grounds, Lagos Cinema will offer free screenings of Asia-themed films from 30 April to 2 May. On 3 May, the Cultural Centre will host the conference Portugal and Japan in the 16th–17th Centuries, bringing together scholars and experts to reflect on the exchanges between these two worlds. Throughout the five-day event, all Lagos Museum sites will offer free entry.

The 12th Discoveries Festival promises an immersive journey through history, with non-stop entertainment, reenactments, knowledge-sharing, and surprises at every turn. From Lagos to Japan, come be part of this unforgettable voyage!

Consult all details and programme schedule here