The MEO Mares Vivas Festival is a prominent annual music festival held in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, near the picturesque city of Porto. Established in 2008, the festival has quickly grown to become one of Portugal’s major music events, attracting music fans from around the world. It is named after the MEO (a telecommunications company) and “Mares Vivas” (meaning “Living Seas”), referencing the scenic coastal location by the Atlantic Ocean.

The festival typically takes place during the summer months, often in mid-July, and is held in the beautiful setting of Praia de Lavadores beach. It offers a unique combination of stunning ocean views and a diverse range of music performances. Over the years, MEO Mares Vivas has evolved into a multi-day celebration of music, drawing large crowds for its exciting lineup of international and local artists.

The festival’s musical programming spans a variety of genres, with a primary focus on pop, rock, electronic, and indie music. It has hosted iconic acts such as The Cure, Black Eyed Peas, and The Chemical Brothers, among others, offering something for fans of different tastes. While the festival leans heavily into mainstream pop and rock, it also celebrates more niche genres such as electronic dance music (EDM), reggae, and even fado, the soulful traditional music of Portugal.

The atmosphere at MEO Mares Vivas is energetic and vibrant, offering not just music, but a cultural experience. With its blend of coastal beauty, diverse musical genres, and an ever-growing international audience, the festival has solidified its place as one of the must-visit events in Portugal’s summer festival scene.