NÓMADAS FESTIVAL: A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER

words by NATALIE GAL

One of the best moments of my year? Quite possibly! We got to visit Nómadas Festival, a celebration of afro and melodic sounds in the magical north of Portugal. This past weekend was undoubtedly special, full of unforgettable moments. Dear reader, I've now collected my favorite memories, and I'm truly excited to share them with you.

Nómadas Festival 2025: A Closer Look

I remember sitting on the porch of my hotel after a night of dancing, watching people come back to the hotel glowing. I overheard some girls laughing about how “amazing that was” and how “he actually looked kinda cool,” and it just stuck with me. That joy — that carefree energy — it was everywhere. Everyone I met had this open, warm vibe. I can honestly say it was the kindest, most welcoming, and safest festival crowd I’ve ever been part of.

When I asked people what made the festival feel so good, they all said something similar: the vibe, the energy, the space. One group of girls in the most fabulous outfits told me, “It’s just different here. The crowd is chill, you feel safe, and you can actually enjoy yourself.”

Speaking of outfits — let’s not ignore the fashion. It was unreal. Think boho-chic meets nomadic glam. So much attention to detail, with layers, textures, accessories — every look felt like its own little, carefully curated world. It honestly felt like stepping into another reality. Something ritualistic, beautiful, expressive and unapologetically free.

I had the chance to talk to Tiago Cruz, the artistic director and co-founder of the festival, and asked him about the deeper meaning behind all this.

“We created Nómadas Festival with the goal of offering Portugal a music event focused on Afro and melodic sounds — something that was missing in the national scene,” he told me.

“With consistency and vision, in just one year we gained international attention, even though we faced a lot of challenges along the way.”

I asked him what nomadism means in the festival’s context.

“For us, nomadism is more than a concept — it’s a way of life. It means freedom of movement, openness to new cultures, and being able to adapt and grow. We move, we evolve, we connect. That’s what Nómadas is all about.”

That spirit was everywhere — but so was comfort. Don’t think “nomad” means roughing it. The festival was incredibly organized, clean, and cozy. If you like your festivals peaceful and low-stress, this is your place. Not too crowded, and if you needed a moment of calm, you could find it easily — under a tree, near a quiet stall, just listening to the wind, the chattering of the people.

The headliners were outstanding, Peggy Gou and RÜFÜS DU SOL (DJ Set), joined by an ensemble including Jean Claude Ades, Jean Philippe & Mole, Marten Lou, Miguel Rendeiro, Mimi x Fy, Nadia Boulif, Paulo PG, RIVO, Samm, Shia, Tiago Cruz, and Gusta-Vo. The visuals and sound systems at the festival were unlike anything I had ever experienced; they complemented the artists' music so seamlessly that the audience was transported. Looking at the faces in the crowd, I could see — could feel — how deeply moved and mesmerised they were."

But Nómadas wasn’t just about music. There were food stalls offering creative, filling comfort food that hit just right after hours of dancing. You could sit under tents surrounded by fairy lights, enjoy a plate of something delicious, or stroll by the handmade market. I did just that — talked to vendors, wandered around. One local seller told me, “It’s really gratifying. You meet people, you make connections, and it gives us a platform to show our work. And it’s fun — I love it.”

I asked Tiago, what first-time visitors should expect?

“Expect a unique vibe in a safe and beautiful city — Braga. Enjoy the warm weather, try the local food, and end the day with music, connection, and the kind of energy you don’t forget.”

Discover Braga: A Guide To the city, the home of Nómadas

The first thing I noticed walking the streets of Braga was how quiet it was. No construction noise, no planes, no traffic. But it wasn’t silent. Music was always playing somewhere — drifting from balconies, down alleyways. People were dancing in the streets to musicians you had to search to find. You’d follow the sound like a trail of breadcrumbs, and it would lead you to something unexpected.

I might not be a proper guide, but here’s my honest advice: get lost. Throw away your map (except this one, keep reading this one). Look up at the rooftops, follow the skyline of churches and old houses. Don’t plan too much. Sit on a terrace with a cold glass of white Alentejo and let inspiration find you.

And if you’re a writer, a painter, or just someone feeling a bit stuck — come here. I left Braga full of ideas. There’s something ancient lingering in the air. If you’ve been going through a creative challenging time, this city might be exactly what you need.

There’s something mysterious here. Braga feels like a mix of places — a bit of the French Riviera, a northern Italian town, Portuguese history, and even a dash of Northern Europe in its darker, moodier corners. It feels familiar, like déjà vu. Like you’ve been here before, in another life. You walk its streets and somehow know what’s around the corner, even if you’ve never been.

There are churches everywhere. Go into them. Sit quietly. I sat in one for almost an hour, just staring at the frescoes, the statues above me with their heavy gazes. A local choir was rehearsing and as I sat there, I kept thinking, how do I explain this to someone who hasn’t been here?

As I said, allow yourself to get lost and wander — but I do recommend some starting points. Begin at the iconic Bom Jesus do Monte, a hilltop sanctuary with a grand baroque staircase and breathtaking views. Then head to the city center to visit Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga), the oldest in Portugal. Stroll through the lively Avenida da Liberdade and explore the historic old town, filled with cafés, shops, and gardens, see the Arch of the New Gate (Arco da Porta Nova) or the peaceful Santa Barbara Garden.

Coming to Braga isn’t just stepping out of your usual life — it’s like stepping out of your era. The city pulls you into something deeper, older. Walking the cobblestones after the festival, I could sum up the whole experience in just two words: I was consumed and transcended.

Braga and Nómadas work perfectly together. The festival and the city both feel like portals — into music, into creativity, into a different kind of time. A time that is more silent, thoughtful, slow, and considerate. A time we need to tap back into. I can  promise you’ll be taken by the magic, the peace, the beauty. In the words of a certain iconic line: “this is a consummation devoutly to be wished.”

I’ve promised before to be your narrator — and I hope I’ve done that well. I hope I brought you close enough to feel it. And next year, maybe we’ll all meet there, getting inspired, letting go and dancing together.