Portugal’s Bandidos do Cante Triumph at Festival da Canção 2026 with “Rosa”
Bandidos do Cante have been crowned the winners of Portugal’s Festival da Canção 2026, securing their place to represent the nation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The group’s performance of “Rosa” resonated with both the jury and the public, marking a significant moment for traditional Portuguese music on the international stage.
A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
The winning song, “Rosa,” uniquely blends cante alentejano – a traditional music genre from the Alentejo region of southern Portugal recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage – with contemporary pop elements. This fusion has garnered attention, showcasing Portugal’s rich musical heritage whereas appealing to a broader audience. Bandidos do Cante, a relatively new group formed in 2022, were nominated for a ‘Breakthrough’ award at the Portuguese Music Play Awards in 2025, and released their first album, Bairro das Flores, earlier this year.
The Final Results: A Divided Vote
The 60th edition of Festival da Canção culminated in a close contest on March 7th. The outcome was determined by a 50/50 split between the votes of seven regional juries and public televoting. While João Ribeiro’s “Canção do querer” topped the jury vote, Bandidos do Cante’s “Rosa” captured the hearts of the Portuguese public, ultimately securing their victory with 22 points overall. Dinis Mota finished second with 16 points, and Nunca Mates o Mandarim placed third with 16 points as well.
| # | Artiest | Nummer | Jury | Televoting | Totaal | Plaats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bandidos do Cante | Rosa | 10 | 12 | 22 | 1 |
| 2 | João Ribeiro | Canção do querer | 12 | 2 | 14 | 4 |
| 3 | André Amaro | Dá-me a tua mão | 1 | 7 | 8 | 8 |
| 4 | Gonçalo Gomes | Doce ilusão | 4 | 3 | 7 | 9 |
| 5 | Marquise | Chuva | 3 | 5 | 8 | 7 |
| 6 | Evaya | Sprint | 2 | 1 | 3 | 10 |
| 7 | Sandrino | Disposto a tudo | 7 | 6 | 13 | 5 |
| 8 | Nunca Mates o Mandarim | Fumo | 8 | 8 | 16 | 3 |
| 9 | Silvana Peres | Não tem fim | 5 | 4 | 9 | 6 |
| 10 | Dinis Mota | Jurei | 6 | 10 | 16 | 2 |
Portugal’s Eurovision Journey
Portugal will compete in the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, alongside Belgium, both vying for a coveted spot in the Grand Final. Filomena Cautela and Vasco Palmeirim, the hosts of Festival da Canção, have a familiar presence for Eurovision fans, with Filomena having previously hosted the contest in 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is cante alentejano?
A: It’s a traditional music genre from the Alentejo region of Portugal, recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
Q: How is the winner of Festival da Canção determined?
A: The winner is decided by a combination of 50% jury vote and 50% public televote.
Q: When will Portugal compete in Eurovision 2026?
A: Portugal will compete in the first semi-final on May 12th.
What are your thoughts on Bandidos do Cante’s chances at Eurovision? Share your predictions in the comments below!
