The festival, established in 2003, travels through various Alentejo locations with free admission activities, reinforcing its mission to unite art, history, and environmental sustainability. In Monforte, the program began on Saturday afternoon with the Cultural Heritage pillar. Guided by technicians Ana Isa and Rui Barradas, and Festival Director-General José António Falcão, participants explored the route «Monforte Sacro: Igrejas, Ermidas e Capelas da Vila e Aro», uncovering the local architectural richness and sacred art heritage.
The musical highlight took place on Saturday evening at the Church of the Holy Spirit, featuring the performance “Rediscovering Spain: Glosas, Fantasias e Diferenças (Viagem às Raízes do Flamenco)” by the Spanish ensemble Accademia del Piacere, led by Fahmi Alqhai. The concert, blending the rigor of early music with the expressiveness of contemporary flamenco and the presence of dancer Ana Morales, offered a memorable night to the audience.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including the Mayor of Monforte, Miguel Rasquinho, Vice-Mayor Raquel Pereira, Secretary of State for Culture, Alberto Santos, Festival Director-General José António Falcão, Executive Director Sara Fonseca, CCDR Alentejo Vice-President for Culture, Henrique Sim-Sim, and President of the Municipal Assembly of Monforte, Joaquim Gabriel Martins.
On Sunday morning, the agenda focused on Conservation and Biodiversity with the activity “Entre Planícies e Asas: Na Rota das Aves Estepárias do Alentejo” (Between Plains and Wings: On the Route of Alentejo's Steppe Birds). The environmental awareness and nature observation walk, led by researcher João Gameiro, took place at the Roman Villa of Torre de Palma archaeological site. Participants learned about the importance of safeguarding the characteristic steppe ecosystems and local archaeological remains, accompanied by archaeologist Sérgio Batista.
The "Terras sem Sombra" festival is based on three pillars: Music (Classical and Traditional), Cultural Heritage, and Biodiversity and Conservation, organizing concerts, guided tours, and environmental awareness actions in historically and naturally significant locations.
