On 29 March, the Parish Church of Ranhados hosted a live performance at 8.30 pm, followed by a performance at Monte de Santa Luzia, in Campo, at 9 pm.

The celebration combines religious solemnity with a strong cultural element, with the highlight in the Historic Centre being the Cantares Quaresmais on 31 March at 9 pm in Praça D. Duarte. This unique ritual featured the participation of 12 local groups, including the Grupo de Canto dos Martírios do Senhor de Várzea de Calde and the Grupo da Ementa das Almas de São Pedro de France.

The following day, 1 April, the Church of Misericórdia hosted the Lisbon Gregorian Choir for a concert of liturgical chant. The parishes play a central role in preserving the community’s faith through the re-enactment of the Way of the Cross. The religious calendar also includes rare events, such as the Bonfire Procession in São Cipriano (2 April) and the Procession of the Burial of the Lord in Viseu (3 April).

For families, the place to be is the 2 de Maio Market, which hosts the ‘Bunny Village’ with daily workshops. Children can take part in egg hunts, biscuit- and cupcake-decorating workshops, or learn how to grow herbs in sustainability sessions. On the mezzanine floor, gastronomy takes centre stage with an Easter Sweets market, featuring producers such as Quinta D’Oiro and the Beira Alta Beekeepers’ Association.

Museums offer immersive heritage experiences

At the Várzea de Calde Linen Museum, visitors can weave a dozen patterns from linen thread or learn about the traditions of “Easter in the Village”, whilst the Quartz Museum organises expeditions to identify the flora of Monte de Santa Luzia using digital apps.

The artistic aspect is enhanced by the 19th International Spring Music Festival, with the opening concert on 2 April at Igreja Nova and the International Guitar Competition final on 11 April at the Viriato Municipal Theatre.

At weekends and on public holidays, the Tourist Train runs a route linking Rossio to Cava de Viriato and Fontelo, with tickets at €3 for adults and discounts for seniors and young people. With exhibitions such as “Beguinas” at the Cathedral Treasury-Museum and the “Viseu em Flor” competition, which brings colour to the streets, the city establishes itself as a destination where faith and modernity meet.