Organized by the Landscape Laboratory with the support of the municipality of Guimarães and the Irmandade da Penha, the event welcomed more than 2,000 visitors across two days filled with music, creative workshops, nature walks, exhibitions, and family-friendly fun. This year’s edition focused on biodiversity, inviting people of all ages to reconnect with nature and reflect on the importance of preserving the environment. The program offered a wide range of activities—from live music performances and sunset sessions to storytelling for children, traditional games, and artistic expressions through dance and literature. Many of the initiatives featured during the weekend were developed collaboratively through the Local Action Group established under the URBACT BiodiverCity network, which brings together cities across Europe to co-create nature-based solutions and promote urban biodiversity. This participatory approach gave shape to a program that reflects the values, ideas, and energy of the local community.
Visitors enjoyed hands-on experiences such as building birdhouses, bat shelters, insect hotels, and terrariums, as well as workshops in botanical drawing, clay modeling, and straw crafts. Throughout the festival grounds, families participated in educational activities and explored interactive exhibits that highlighted the natural and cultural richness of the region. Interpretive walks guided by nature experts revealed hidden gems of Penha Mountain’s landscapes and wildlife, while a vibrant eco-market showcased handmade products, local crafts, and sustainable initiatives. The green area became a living classroom, where biodiversity was celebrated through learning and participation.
A highlight of the weekend was the presentation of the Mammals of Guimarães Field Guide, a new publication resulting from citizen science data and technical monitoring. Developed through an integrated approach within the framework of the URBACT BiodiverCity project, the guide will serve as an important awareness-raising and capacity-building tool to help the community identify and learn more about the mammals living in the region.
Adding to the festivities, the first edition of the Spring Run was held on the previous weekend, the 22nd and 23rd of March. With a strong turnout, this new sporting event combined physical activity with sustainability, featuring a 10-km race, a 5-km walk, and an interpretive walk through the Penha Mountain Biodiversity Route. The event was designed to appeal to all ages and fitness levels, reinforcing the city’s commitment to healthy lifestyles, community engagement, and ecological awareness.
With laughter echoing through the forest trails, colorful workshops in every corner, and hundreds of smiling faces, the Guimarães Spring Festival 2025 left a lasting impression. It was a celebration of life, a call to care for nature, and a joyful reminder that sustainability can be both meaningful and fun. Guimarães welcomed spring with open arms—and a renewed commitment to a greener, more connected future.
