Mafra 2026 COUNTDOWN
World Carillon Congress -Mafra 2026
Mafra will host the World Carillon Congress 2026 from June 24-28, with additional post-congress activities extending to June 30. The main venue will be the magnificent National Palace of Mafra, which houses one of the world’s largest historic carillon. The congress is being organized through the collaborative efforts of the World Carillon Federation (WCF), the National Palace of Mafra, under the purview of the public enterprise Museums and Monuments of Portugal, E.P.E. (MMP), and the Mafra Municipality (CMM). As the Palace’s carillons have been meticulously restored and regularly host concerts, attendees will have ample opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich tradition of carillon music, explore this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the beauty of Mafra and its surroundings.
The POST-CONGRESS will take place in the remaining Portuguese cities where carillons are located: Igreja dos Pastorinhos in Alverca – 69 bells carillon (Royal Eijsbouts, 2005); Leiria Cathedral – 23 bells carillon (Petit & Fritsen, 2004); and Clérigos Church Tower in Porto – 49 bells carillon (Royal Eijsbouts, 1995).
Automatic Music and other non-performance aspects of the Carillon
The theme of this year’s World Carillon Congress will be ‘Automatic Music and other non-performance aspects of the Carillon’. In addition to the many eclectic congress recitals and special concerts, workshops and debates, we are honoured to have the presence of companies and professionals engaged worldwide in the casting of bells, carillon construction, as well as international institutions devoted to the teaching and dissemination of the instrument. All of them will take part in the BELL EXPO, an event that will celebrate the bell in its many aspects: art, science and history, celebrating the present while focusing on the future.
The World Carillon Federation (WCF)
The World Carillon Federation (WCF) serves as a vital liaison among carillon associations and carillonneurs worldwide. It actively encourages and promotes the development of the art of the carillon, focusing on its improvement from both musical and construction perspectives, and facilitating the realization of projects that foster global artistic and musical exchanges. International congresses form an integral part of the WCF’s activities, taking place regularly in different locations to bring together carillon enthusiasts and professionals. To know more: click here.
