Verbo Performance Festival Expands to Three Brazilian Cities for 17th Edition
The 17th edition of the Verbo performance festival, initiated by Galeria Vermelho in São Paulo in 2005, is set to take place from July 19 to August 11, 2026, and will extend to Fortaleza, São Paulo, and São Luís. Artistic director Marcos Gallon compares this multi-city festival to a tour by a rock band. More than 30 performances by artists from five different countries are scheduled, with unique programs for each location. This year marks a shift from the traditional São Paulo opening, beginning instead in the Northeast. The festival's theme has transitioned from political issues to broader, universal topics. Out of 300 submissions, around a dozen were directly invited. Featured artists include Lilibeth Cuenca Rasmussen, Tania Candini, Aline Motta, Yhuri Cruz, André Vargas, and Eduardo Bruno and Waldírio Castro.
Key facts
- Verbo performance festival's 17th edition runs from July 19 to August 11, 2026.
- The festival expands to three cities: São Paulo, São Luís, and Fortaleza.
- It was founded in 2005 by Galeria Vermelho in São Paulo.
- Artistic director Marcos Gallon leads the festival with co-curator Samantha Moreira.
- Over 30 actions by artists from five countries are planned.
- The festival begins in the Northeast, not in São Paulo as usual.
- The 2026 edition received 300 proposals from an open call.
- Thematic content has shifted from political activism to more universal themes post-2023.
Entities
Artists
- Marcos Gallon
- Samantha Moreira
- Lilibeth Cuenca Rasmussen
- Tania Candini
- Aline Motta
- Yhuri Cruz
- André Vargas
- Eduardo Bruno
- Waldírio Castro
- Elilson
- Carolina Vieira
Institutions
- Galeria Vermelho
- Chão SLZ
- Pinacoteca do Ceará
- Centro Cultural Vale Maranhão (CCVM)
- Centro Cultural São Paulo
- Bienal Internacional de Dança do Ceará
Locations
- São Paulo
- Brazil
- São Luís
- Fortaleza
- Ceará
- Maranhão
- Nordeste