Grammy-Winning Caetano Veloso Replaces Sister at Cascais Festival This May

Caetano Steps In as Bethânia Exits Portugal Festival Calendar

The Coala Festival Portugal has confirmed a significant last-minute change to its May lineup: legendary Brazilian musician Caetano Veloso will now perform at the Cascais event after his sister Maria Bethânia withdrew. The shift arrives just weeks after the siblings won a Grammy together, amplifying attention on both performers.

Why This Matters

• Cascade replacement: Within hours of Bethânia's withdrawal announcement, Caetano's name appeared on the official poster.

• Fresh Grammy credentials: The siblings' live album won Best Global Music Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards, marking Bethânia's inaugural Grammy and Caetano's third in the category.

• Ticket holders affected: All €95 general and €190 VIP passes purchased remain valid for the 30-31 May weekend at Hipódromo Manuel Possolo, though refunds are available through the Fever platform.

The Unexpected Cancellation

Festival organizers and Bethânia's representatives issued identical wording in their official statement: the artist would "no longer perform" at this year's edition. When pressed for detail, the festival cited "force majeure"—legal language suggesting unforeseen circumstance—but declined elaboration. Bethânia's team offered no separate explanation.

The timing suggests logistics or scheduling tensions rather than health concerns. Bethânia, now 79, recently completed touring with Caetano, making European dates require advance logistical coordination—visa clearances, band accommodation, and sound-check requirements.

Who Steps Into the Spotlight

Caetano Veloso, at 83, remains an active touring artist with a five-decade recording legacy anchored in the Tropicália movement of the late 1960s. That genre-defying wave merged samba and bossa nova foundations with rock psychedelia and avant-garde poetry, creating a distinctly Brazilian modernism that influenced musicians globally.

Live performances showcase his versatility, with Caetano frequently rearranging classics and introducing spoken passages that shift from political reflection to personal anecdote. He performed at Coala Festival Brasil in 2025, a show festival organizers described as memorable.

The Grammy Context

The siblings won the Best Global Music Album Grammy at the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. Presenter Dee Dee Bridgewater accepted the award on their behalf, as neither attended in person.

For Bethânia, the award represents singular achievement: her inaugural Grammy nomination and victory. Industry observers note that this recognition arrives at a significant point in her career at age 79, when many performers reduce international touring commitments.

For Caetano, the trophy extends an already notable pedigree. He has won Grammys previously for Livro (1998) and as producer of João Gilberto's João Voz e Violão (2000). This third Grammy solidifies his standing as perhaps the only Brazilian artist recognized across multiple decades by the Recording Academy.

What Cascais Will Hear

The Hipódromo Manuel Possolo, a converted horse-racing venue, will host Caetano across 30-31 May. While specific stage times remain unannounced, historical precedent suggests headliners perform in evening hours following supporting acts.

Caetano's performance will draw from his extensive catalog spanning five decades of Brazilian music. His approach to concert structure emphasizes improvisation and spontaneous reinterpretation alongside his most recognized compositions.

Impact on Lisbon-Area Residents and Expat Communities

For Brazil-born residents in Portugal, this festival operates as rare access to major performers without transatlantic flight costs. The substitution presents a musical trade-off: both artists command similar international profile and draw overlapping demographics—middle-aged Brazilians in diaspora, Portuguese listeners familiar with Brazilian music, and younger audiences discovering Brazilian classics through streaming platforms.

The real impact falls on ticketholders specifically seeking Bethânia's distinctive vocal performance. For attendees interested in experiencing live Brazilian music by a Grammy-winning artist, Caetano delivers comparable cultural significance.

The Broader Festival Ecosystem

Coala Festival launched in Rio de Janeiro in 2014, expanding internationally only in 2024 when organizers selected Cascais as its European anchor. This selection underscores Portugal's role as Europe's primary gateway for Brazilian music export. Lisbon's linguistic, commercial, and migratory ties to Brazil create natural infrastructure for touring Brazilian acts testing continental markets.

Two sold-out editions (2024 and 2025) suggest sustained demand for curated cross-border programming. The festival positions the lusophone Atlantic—including Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde—as a unified cultural zone.

This year's supporting lineup includes João Gomes, Slow J, Bonga, and Lulu Santos, representing how musical innovation flows across the Atlantic.

Practical Information for Attendees

Tickets: All two-day passes purchased remain valid. New purchases or refunds proceed through the Fever platform. Two formats exist:

• Passe Geral Relvado: €95 for two-day lawn access across all stages

• Passe VIP Tenda: €190 for two-day covered seating, dedicated bars, and express entry lanes

Single-day passes have not been released.

Transportation: The CP suburban rail operates frequent service from Lisbon's Cais do Sodré to Cascais station. From station exit, the Hipódromo lies a 15-minute walk or approximately €5 taxi journey. Driving requires advance parking reservation coordinated with municipal parking services.

Accommodation: Cascais hotels book quickly during festival weekends. Estoril (adjacent, one rail stop) and Oeiras (halfway to central Lisbon) offer better availability and lower rates than Cascais proper.

Weather and Preparation: Late May averages 19°C with moderate rainfall probability. The Hipódromo offers minimal wind protection after sunset—bring layered clothing. The festival features Brazilian street-food vendors, with typical items ranging €6–€10. Outside food is prohibited. Water refill stations operate without charge.

Looking Forward

The Grammy victory positions 2026 as a significant cultural moment for Portuguese audiences. Caetano's performance arrives with international validation, a credential that carries weight among ticket buyers and industry observers.

At 83, Caetano demonstrates continued artistic engagement through touring and creative projects. His Cascais appearance forms part of his active 2026 schedule and continues his legacy as one of Brazil's most influential contemporary musicians.