The World Carillon Congress (WCC) Mafra 2026 offers a full week of music, discovery, and international exchange across one of Europe’s most extraordinary cultural heritage sites.
The programme brings together carillonists, composers, bell founders, maintenance companies, researchers, and other musicians for memorable spectacles, concerts, workshops, presentations, tours, and hands-on experiences across the Mafra National Palace, its bell towers, the Basilica, and outdoor stages.
A detailed daily schedule with times, venues, and performers is available below.
Highlights include:
- Daily Carillon Concerts: Featuring the Mafra International Carillon Festival.
- The Bell Expo: An immersive look at campanology and industry technology, travelling carillon projects, schools, carillon music, and national federations’ editions; open to the general public throughout the week.
- Workshops and Academic Presentations: Specialist sessions and industry insights.
- Mafra Bells Jam: An opportunity for congress participants to perform freely on the Palace towers.
- Visits: Explore the National Palace of Mafra and its iconic carillon towers, including their marvellous automata and clock mechanisms.
- Lisbon Day: A full day with concerts in one of the most iconic sites in our capital city.
- The Closing Concert: A monumental world premiere for carillon, orchestra, voice, and the WCC Mafra 2026 Bell.
From historic instruments to contemporary performance, the programme celebrates both tradition and innovation, offering participants and visitors a unique opportunity to experience the carillon in all its dimensions.