Street Musicians in Lisbon: The Struggles Behind the Sound

The Heart of Street Arts in Lisbon

The vibrant streets of Lisbon have always been a canvas for street arts, where musicians bring life to iconic spots from the Largo do Chiado to the São Jorge Castle. These performers enrich the city's atmosphere, especially in tourist hotspots, but many face significant challenges.

Challenges Musicians Face

Daniel Martini, a street musician performing at Miradouro de Santa Luzia, highlights the lack of uniformity in licensing across different neighborhoods. Each parish has its own rules, leading to inconsistencies in how street artists are treated. "The process for obtaining a license is very hard to understand. Some get it, and some don't," he explains.

Musician performing at the Miradouro de Santa Catarina, where local regulations vary widely. Photo: Catarina Ferreira.

Since 2015, the Lisbon City Council has removed licensing fees for street musicians, transferring the authority to local parishes. This decentralization has led to disparities in how licenses are issued and enforced, with Santa Maria Maior being notably strict compared to São Vicente.

The Impact of the Pandemic

The pandemic led to a freeze on licenses in Santa Catarina, with the local junta citing noise complaints and conflicts among musicians as reasons for this decision. This freeze has left many artists like Wehz, who relies on street performances alongside gigs in restaurants and bars, in a precarious situation.

Noise Regulations and Amplification Issues

To address noise complaints, street artists are prohibited from using amplification systems, which has created tension during performances. Wehz expresses frustration, stating that the lack of amplification in noisy environments makes it challenging to perform.

Legislation targeting amplifiers as a primary concern. Photo: Catarina Ferreira.

Comparing Regulations: Porto vs. Lisbon

In Porto, new regulations are being drafted for street performers, initially met with resistance. Musicians believe that Lisbon could benefit from a similar model that allows for more structured noise regulations while ensuring street artists can perform without fear of confiscation.

A Call for Clearer Licensing

Musicians advocate for clearer guidelines on licensing and more locations to perform, arguing that expanding licensed areas would alleviate pressure on popular spots. They emphasize that the current situation is unsustainable, with many artists feeling like they are operating on the fringes of the law.

Musician Eduardo Laurent expresses the need for more performance spaces. Photo: Catarina Ferreira.