Celtic Music Festivals in Portugal: Europeanisation, Urban Regeneration, and Regional Development

Abstract

This article addresses the interceltic festivals of Porto (1986–2008) and Sendim in Terra de Miranda (since 2000), situated in northwestern and northeastern Portugal, respectively, from the perspective of European heritage festivals. It examines how these two festivals were used to promote tourism, urban regeneration, rural development, image-making, and place branding. We argue that the interceltic festivals of Porto and Sendim are entangled with the Europeanisation of Portugal, involving new possibilities for identification with Europe’s Atlantic fringe, a space that is symbolised by the Celtic imaginary.