Festival Celebrates 25th Edition at New Venue
The Festival de Verão Salvador 2026, marking its 25th edition, successfully concluded on January 25, 2026, after two days of vibrant musical performances and cultural celebrations in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Held at the new Wet Eventos venue, also known as Arena Festival, the event brought together an array of renowned artists, drawing large crowds and offering over 20 hours of diverse music.
Headlining Acts Deliver Memorable Shows
The festival's lineup featured a mix of established stars and emerging talents. Ivete Sangalo, a perennial presence at the festival and the only artist to have performed in all editions, delivered a special show on Saturday, January 24, celebrating her 30-year career. She opened her performance with 'Vampirinha', a song anticipated for the upcoming Carnival season. Also on Saturday, Ney Matogrosso captivated the audience with his iconic stage presence, performing classics from his 'Bloco na Rua' tour, including 'Eu Quero Botar Meu Bloco na Rua' and 'O Vira'. Matogrosso performed barefoot with painted eyes, delivering a set that also featured 'Sangue Latino', 'Poema', 'Yolanda', 'Jardins da Babilônia', 'Mesmo Que Seja Eu', 'A Maçã', and 'O Último Dia'.
Diverse Collaborations and Musical Offerings
The second day, Sunday, January 25, saw Wesley Safadão take the stage, transforming his performance into a 'festa junina' and featuring a special guest appearance by Elba Ramalho. The festival was also notable for its unique collaborations and diverse musical offerings. Caetano Veloso shared the stage with his son Tom Veloso and grandson Zeca Veloso, creating a memorable intergenerational moment. Other significant acts included:
- Léo Santana and Luísa Sonza
- Péricles and Belo
- The project 'Dominguinho', featuring João Gomes, Jota.Pê, and Mestrinho
- Carlinhos Brown
- Teto with WIU
Festival Structure and Attendee Experience
The 2026 edition marked a new phase for the festival, inaugurating the Arena Festival at Wet Eventos as its new home. The venue was equipped with three stages: Cais, Ponte, and Palco Rua by Coke Studio, ensuring a continuous flow of music across different genres. Beyond the musical acts, attendees enjoyed a range of experiences, including a zipline, a Ferris wheel, and various lounges. The event was co-produced by Salvador Produções and Bahia Eventos, with Zé Ricardo serving as the artistic director. The festival maintained a classification of 14 years, with minors requiring accompaniment by parents or legal guardians.
Conclusion
The Festival de Verão Salvador 2026 successfully upheld its reputation as a premier summer music event in Brazil, delivering two days of high-energy performances and fostering a vibrant atmosphere for music lovers. The sold-out Saturday and near-sold-out Sunday demonstrated the enduring appeal and cultural significance of this long-standing festival.
5 Comments
Africa
The crowds were unbearable, felt like a sardine can. Safety was a real concern.
Bella Ciao
The new Arena Festival venue is fantastic. So much space and great facilities for everyone.
Mariposa
The vibrant atmosphere and high energy certainly lived up to the festival's reputation as a premier event. But with such a large-scale production, more transparent communication regarding the event's environmental sustainability efforts would be greatly appreciated.
Muchacho
What an incredible weekend! Salvador really knows how to throw a party, the energy was phenomenal.
ZmeeLove
It's become too commercialized. The original spirit of the Festival de Verão is gone.