Presentation: 4. Trafaria Bluegrass the Free Community Festival

Yesterday, the 4th Trafaria Bluegrass was presented at the headquarters of Recreios Desportivos da Trafaria, a festival with identity and soul, from the village on the banks of the Tagus that vibrates to the sound of strings and sharing.

From September 12-14, the small village of Trafaria will once again become a meeting point for lovers of traditional North American music with the return of Trafaria Bluegrass. In its 4th edition, the festival establishes itself as a unique intercultural event in Portugal, focusing on bluegrass music – an artistic expression born from the fusion of African-American jazz and blues with Anglo-Saxon folk, which found its characteristic voice in the Appalachians.

But in Trafaria, bluegrass takes on new accents. This year, six bands will take to the stage — five international and one representing Portugal — with sounds that combine traditional styles with new musical languages. The result is a program where tradition meets innovation, without losing the community spirit that defines the genre.

More than just a concert program, Trafaria Bluegrass is a celebration of musical sharing. Improvised jam sessions, where musicians from different latitudes play side by side, become unique moments of communion — and one of the festival’s hallmarks.

The program goes beyond the stages. Over the three days, the village hosts a series of parallel initiatives that invite the public to immerse themselves in the world of bluegrass and the local heritage. From banjo, mandolin, violin and guitar masterclasses, to vocal harmony workshops, environmental workshops, traditional games, local cuisine, activities for children and street entertainment.

Admission is free and open to all ages, promoting encounters between diverse audiences and generating an informal, welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere.

Created by artist André Dal and promoted by Recreios Desportivos da Trafaria, Trafaria Bluegrass is supported by the Almada City Council, the União das Freguesias de Caparica e Trafaria and several local and international entities. The festival has been gaining ground on the European bluegrass events scene, bringing musicians and visitors from all over the world to the south bank of the Tagus every year.

At a time when festivals are multiplying, Trafaria Bluegrass stands out for its authenticity, human scale and for offering a genuine cultural experience, where music is the starting point for a deeper encounter with the community, nature and heritage.

Activities begin at 4 pm on Friday, and the shows begin at 5 pm. Full schedule coming soon.

The Reuben Agnew Band (Ireland)
An energetic quartet that mixes tradition with originality. They bring together experienced musicians from Ireland and the United Kingdom, led by guitarist and composer Reuben Agnew.

The New West (Netherlands)
New to bluegrass but with veteran musicians, this Rotterdam band masters banjo, mandolin and vocal harmonies with surprising authenticity.

Table for Two (Denmark/Belgium)
A duo that puts vocal harmony at the centre, with original compositions and intimate arrangements for guitar, banjo and two mandolins.

Piotr Bułas & Garage Folks (Poland)
They mix Polish soul with American bluegrass, led by Piotr Bułas – also a renowned European luthier. They present an energetic and authentic sound.

Phoebe & The Banjo Boys (Portugal/United Kingdom)
A quartet based in Sertânia, they mix bluegrass and American percussive dance with a Portuguese spirit. Tap dancing to the sound of the violin, banjo duels and contagious energy.

Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band (USA)
Coming from California, they are one of the most awarded young bands in the genre. They bring modern bluegrass with touches of jazz and Dawg music.

Always confirm with the concert hall or promoter the conditions of access, confirmation of the date or time, ticket place of sale, price, and availability.

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