Cascais Light Festival (Lumina) – Portugal 2025

Background & History

LUMINA – Festival of Light, now in its 8th edition, is a premier cultural event that transforms Cascais, Portugal, into a dazzling display of light and art. Since its debut in 2012, LUMINA has grown into one of Europe’s top light festivals, recognized by The Guardian as among the Top 10 European Light Festivals and awarded the EFFE label for Outstanding Festivals in 2015-2016 and 2017-2018.

Organized by OCUBO, a creative studio with over 20 years of expertise in immersive art, the festival has welcomed over 1.5 million visitors and showcased 136 installations by 122 artists from 26 countries. The 2025 edition, themed “Dreams and Stories,” promotes inclusivity and creativity, cementing Cascais’ status as a UNESCO Creative City for Media Arts.

Event Highlights

• International Video Mapping Open Call: Artists worldwide submit 60-second video projections themed “Dreams and Stories” for display on the Cascais Cultural Center’s façade, with a USD 1,100 public-voted prize.
• Immersive Light Installations: Features sculptural and contemplative light artworks illuminating Cascais’ streets, parks, and landmarks.
• Live Performances: Includes music, dance, and interactive shows blending art and technology for a multisensory experience.
• Interactive Experiences: Visitors engage with dynamic installations like light graffiti and 3D projections, encouraging active participation.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Designed to captivate all ages with vibrant displays and storytelling elements.

Date & Duration

Dates: September 12 – 14, 2025
Duration: 3 nights

Venue / Location

LUMINA spans multiple locations in central Cascais, Portugal:

• Parque Marechal Carmona: Avenida da República, 2750-642 Cascais, Portugal. A central park hosting major light installations.
• Cascais Cultural Center: Avenida do Rei Humberto II de Itália 16, 2750-800 Cascais, Portugal. The primary venue for video mapping projections.
• Cascais Marina: Avenida Rei Humberto II de Itália, 2750-800 Cascais, Portugal. Features large-scale installations and performances.
• Citadel Fort: Avenida Dom Carlos I, 2750-310 Cascais, Portugal. Hosts historic-themed light displays.
• Largo da Estação: Near Estação de Cascais, 2750-641 Cascais, Portugal. A public square with interactive installations.

Contact Information

• Email: info@lumina.pt
• Website: lumina.pt
• Organizer: OCUBO Studio, contact via website for inquiries
• Social Media: Follow @luminafestival on Instagram for updates

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: No tickets required; the festival is entirely free to attend.
• Pricing: USD 0 (free admission for all events and installations).
• Special Options: No VIP or special seating options, as the event is open-access and inclusive.

Cultural Experience

LUMINA transforms Cascais into a luminous canvas, blending art, technology, and community engagement. The “Dreams and Stories” theme invites exploration of imaginative narratives through light-based art, from video mappings to glowing sculptures. The festival celebrates Portugal’s coastal heritage while showcasing global artistic talent, with performances reflecting Cascais’ vibrant culture. Interactive installations encourage visitors to co-create, fostering a sense of connection. The event’s inclusive nature aligns with Cascais’ UNESCO Creative City status, making art accessible to diverse audiences.

Food & Drinks

Cascais’ culinary offerings enhance the festival experience:

• Must-Try Specialties: Savor fresh seafood like prawns with garlic, grilled tiger prawns, and cataplana (seafood stew) at restaurants such as Mar do Inferno (Avenida Rei Humberto II de Itália 7, 2750-800 Cascais). Try pastéis de nata (custard tarts) at Taberna da Praça (Praça 5 de Outubro, 2750-320 Cascais).
• Drinks: Enjoy vinho verde, Portuguese craft beers, or sangria at nearby venues. Festival food stalls may offer snacks like churros and local pastries.
• Payment: Some stalls accept only cash; nearby restaurants typically accept cards.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendliness: LUMINA is highly family-friendly, with installations and performances suitable for all ages. Interactive displays engage children, and adult supervision is recommended for younger visitors.
• Accessibility: Most venues, including Parque Marechal Carmona and Cascais Cultural Center, offer wheelchair access. Cobblestone streets in Cascais’ old town may pose challenges; contact organizers via info@lumina.pt for specific accommodations.

Getting There

• By Air: Fly into Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon, 35 km from Cascais. Taxis (USD 35-45, 30-40 minutes) or Aerobus shuttles (USD 5-10) are available.
• Public Transport: From Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré Station, take the Cascais Line train to Cascais (40 minutes, USD 2-3). Local buses or a 5-10 minute walk from Cascais Station reach festival venues.
• Parking: Limited parking near Parque Marechal Carmona and Cascais Marina (USD 1-2/hour). Use Estacionamento da Marina (Avenida Rei Humberto II de Itália) for convenience.
• Walking: Venues are within Cascais’ compact center, easily accessible on foot.

Program Details

• Video Mapping Open Call: Creators (18+) submit 60-second video mapping proposals by July 13, 2025, with final projects due by August 31, 2025. Selected works are projected on the Cascais Cultural Center, with public voting (September 12-21, 2025) for the USD 1,100 Portugal Agenda New Lights Award.
• Installations: Expect light sculptures, video mappings on historic buildings, and interactive displays across Cascais.
• Performances: Live music and dance occur nightly, starting around 19:30, with schedules posted on lumina.pt.
• Hours: Events begin at sunset (approximately 19:30) and continue until late evening.

Cultural Significance

LUMINA strengthens Cascais’ reputation as a cultural innovator, aligning with its UNESCO Creative City designation. By integrating global and local artistry, the festival bridges cultural narratives through light and storytelling. Its inclusive approach—free entry and interactive elements—democratizes art, while awards like the 2013 Best Cultural Event prize highlight its impact. The event fosters community pride and attracts international visitors, boosting Cascais’ cultural tourism.

Environmental Impact

LUMINA prioritizes sustainability, using energy-efficient LED lighting and eco-friendly materials for installations. OCUBO encourages public transport to reduce emissions, aligning with Cascais’ environmental goals. Visitors are urged to use waste facilities to preserve the town’s pristine coastal environment.