Portuguese broadcaster RTP confirmed that Festival da Canção will return for its 2026 edition, marking Portugal’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
A teaser video full of surprises
Unlike in previous years, RTP has not yet opened submissions for the national selection format, instead teasing new details and surprises to be revealed on September 16.
About Festival da Canção
Festival da Canção is a Portuguese music festival held every year. Artists apply, but they also get invited to take part in the festival by the broadcaster RTP. Festival Da Canção selects the Portuguese representative for the Eurovision Song Contest. This national final is one of the oldest national finals and has been going on for 57 years. The first edition of Festival da Canção was all the way back in 1964. The festival was held in 1970 and 2000 despite the country not taking part in the contest, first due to a boycott, and then in 2000 due to being relegated from the contest.
Last year, NAPA, with the song “Deslocado”, won the national final without winning either jury(4th) or televoting(2nd). At Eurovision, the band managed to qualify for the Grand Final and once there, they finished in 21st place. They received a total of 50 points, of which 37 points came from the jury and 13 points came from the televote.
What do the Portuguese keep from us? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, and Bluesky for more information about Eurovision 2026!
News Source: RTP
Photo Credit: RTP
Tim J 
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Samantha