Gooseberry season? No way, countries are making plans!

Road to Vienna: Portugal We cannot wait for the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna. Therefore, we take a closer look at one of the contestants each day. Today, we highlight: Portugal Bandidos do Cante: Who are they? Bandidos do Cante are a Portuguese vocal group from the Alentejo region, formed by five childhood friends: Miguel Costa, Duarte Farias, Francisco Raposo, Luís Aleixo, and Francisco Pestana. Known for blending traditional cante alentejano with modern pop, the group has created a fresh, emotional sound that connects heritage with contemporary audiences. Early Beginnings and Breakthrough The group started informally in 2022, singing together at gatherings. Their breakthrough came after collaborating on the hit single “Casa” with D.A.M.A. and Buba Espinho, which gained massive radio play in Portugal. Originally called “Os Amigos do Alentejo,” they rebranded to Bandidos do Cante in 2023, marking a new chapter in their career. Hit Singles and Growing Popularity In 2024, they released their debut single “Amigos Coloridos,” which became the most-played Portuguese song on national radio. This success led to over 50 live performances and a rapidly growing fan base.Their 2025 follow-up, “Já Não Há Pardais No Céu,” strengthened their signature style and earned them a Best New Artist nomination at the Play – Portuguese Music Awards. Collaborations with artists like Diogo Piçarra further boosted their visibility. Debut Album and Musical Evolution Their debut album Bairro das Flores (2026) showcases eight tracks that merge traditional folk with modern production. Featuring artists like António Zambujo, the album highlights their artistic growth. A national tour, including sold-out shows in Beja, confirmed their status as one of Portugal’s most promising acts. Eurovision 2026 Journey They  won Festival da Canção , securing their place at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Their victory, driven by strong jury and public support, marked a major milestone in their rising international career. Rosa : A Poetic Story of Love and Saudade Rosa is a deeply emotional song about love, memory, and loss. The lyrics create a calm, reflective atmosphere, using nature and silence to evoke nostalgia. At its core, the song connects a past relationship to the image of a rose garden, symbolizing both the beauty of love and the pain of its absence. The Garden as a Symbol of Love The garden represents a once-thriving relationship. It was full of life, care, and emotion. Over time, however, it fades due to neglect, mirroring the decline of love.In the end, only the roses remain. These roses act as powerful symbols, keeping memories alive even after the relationship has ended. The Power of Saudade A key theme in “Rosa” is saudade, a uniquely Portuguese feeling of longing. It blends sadness with warmth and remembrance. The lyrics highlight this through images of a lover’s kiss and the idea of a loved one as the “most beautiful rose.”Even though the relationship is over, the emotional connection remains strong. Portugal in the Eurovision Song Contest. Portugal has been part of the Eurovision Song Contest since 1964, but its track record has been relatively modest. The country achieved its first, and so far only, victory in 2017, when Salvador Sobral won with the song Amar pelos dois. Despite limited success in terms of wins, Portugal is known for sending entries that highlight its rich musical identity. Its songs often blend traditional influences with modern sounds, offering something distinctive on the Eurovision stage. In recent years, the national selection Festival da Canção has played a key role in showcasing diverse genres and introducing new and emerging artists. The Bookmakers This year, confidence in the Portuguese entry is once again low. Currently sitting in 30th place with the bookmakers, it seems likely that Portugal will struggle to qualify for the final.