“Accessible Festivals” Program

On February 19, Order 2276/2025 was published, regulating the “Accessible Festivals” Program (the “Program”). This is the second edition of a joint initiative between Turismo de Portugal, I.P. (“Turismo de Portugal”) and the Instituto Nacional para a Reabilitação, I.P. (“INR”), aimed at promoting inclusion and accessibility at cultural and tourist events in Portugal.

Program objectives and target individuals

The Program’s primary objectives are to recognize, promote and encourage inclusive practices at cultural festivals, ensuring leisure, comfort, safety, and autonomy for all attendees. It also aims to diversify and enhance accessible cultural and tourist offerings.

The Program is for the benefit of individuals with reduced mobility, sensory limitations, and temporary limitations, such as pregnant individuals, children, and the elderly.

Eligible entities

Both individuals and organizations—whether for-profit or non-profit—as well as local authorities that organize or hold festivals, can benefit from the Program. However, only entities that meet the general and specific conditions established in Order 2276/2025 are eligible. Therefore, understanding these conditions and following the application procedures is crucial.

Types of festivals covered

The Program covers festivals in various categories, including street arts, performing arts, visual arts, cinema, dance, literature, music, and theater. These festivals must be held regularly anywhere in Portugal.

“Accessible Festival” certificate

Applications must be submitted on the Turismo de Portugal website using a specific form. This must be done at least three months before the festival date.

A technical committee—comprising members designated by Turismo de Portugal and INR—will review the applications. If approved, the festival receives the “Accessible Festival” distinction, recognizing it for providing accessibility, comfort and leisure for people with disabilities or limitations. Entities holding a festival recognized as an “Accessible Festival” will be awarded a certificate and provided with the “Accessible Festival” logo for use on the festival’s signage and communication channels.

“+ Accessible Festival” Award

The Program also offers an additional award, the “+ Accessible Festival” Award. This is granted to festivals that, in addition to meeting the mandatory accessibility requirements to be recognized as an “Accessible Festival,” implement further measures to provide an even more inclusive experience. This award may include a financial grant of up to €15,000 to enhance the winning festival’s accessibility. The jury comprises five members, each representing one of the following entities: Turismo de Portugal, INR, APORFEST, Direção-Geral das Artes, and Instituto do Cinema e do Audiovisual (ICA).

Publication of “Accessible Festivals” list

The list of all “Accessible Festivals” will be published online on the national and international communication channels of Turismo de Portugal and INR, as well as on any partner entities’ channels.

The Program is a significant opportunity for festival organizers to demonstrate their commitment to inclusion and accessibility, contributing to a more just and accessible cultural environment for everyone.