For 15 days, Lisbon enhances its cultural and recreational offerings, becoming a privileged stage for conferences, exhibitions, theater productions, street animations, and concerts. Each edition presents a delightful array of surprises and specially curated events, inviting both Portuguese and international visitors to explore and discover the city's many wonders.

With an estimated two million spectators over seven editions, the Festival dos Oceanos has gained international recognition and has become an integral part of Lisbon's cultural calendar. It aligns with the Strategic Tourism Plan for Lisbon, which encourages initiatives that enhance the city's reputation. Furthermore, it resonates with the National Strategic Tourism Plan, promoting the development and innovation of traditional Portuguese content as a key differentiating factor for tourism.

The inaugural edition of the Festival dos Oceanos took place in 1999 with the aim of perpetuating the spirit of EXPO'98, a landmark event for the Portuguese capital. By offering multiple free cultural events during August, the festival successfully combats the typical seasonal lull and attracts both tourists and locals to the city.

Each year, the festival revolves around a specific theme, adding depth and diversity to the overall experience. Past themes have explored the vastness of the oceans, celebrated world cultures, highlighted the luminosity of Lisbon, and paid homage to the sea. The festival has also marked significant milestones, such as the 10th anniversary of EXPO'98 and the International Year of Astronomy. The 2010 edition, coinciding with the centennial anniversary of the Portuguese Republic, achieved record-breaking attendance with 350,000 spectators.

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The festival has multiple objectives, all aimed at enhancing Lisbon's tourism and cultural scene. Firstly, it seeks to increase tourist flow to the city, particularly during the traditionally quieter month of August. By animating the Ribeirinho Axis, the festival also aims to promote Lisbon's cultural vibrancy and attract both local and international visitors. Additionally, it builds upon the interest generated during EXPO'98, which attracted thousands of visitors from around the world. Moreover, the festival contributes to the city's city-break offerings, a strategic product for Lisbon's tourism. By boosting the city's notoriety among tourists and operators, the festival plays a crucial role in promoting Lisbon as an international destination. Lastly, the festival aims to enhance Lisbon's tourist offerings during the summer period, following the example of other European destinations that have successfully adopted characteristic festivals as tourist magnets.

The Festival dos Oceanos unfolds across the three micro-centralities of Lisbon: the Historic Center, Belém, and Parque das Nações. The Historic Center represents the soul of the city, with centuries of history embedded within its narrow streets and grand monuments. Belém embodies Lisbon's maritime legacy and its connections to exploration and discoveries, serving as a significant cultural and museum hub. Finally, Parque das Nações showcases the modern face of Lisbon, offering excellent conditions for hosting and welcoming tourists.

The Festival dos Oceanos has become an unmissable event for both locals and tourists, offering a unique opportunity to delve into Lisbon's rich cultural heritage while celebrating its deep connection to the sea. With its diverse program, international acclaim, and the enchanting backdrop of the city's iconic locations, this festival truly captures the essence of Lisbon and leaves a lasting impression on all who attend.