Sardinhas das Festas de Lisboa

In 2003, the Silvadesigners studio created the first version of the stylized sardine, which would become the official graphic symbol of the Lisbon Festivities. This visual piece has become an icon of the city, incorporating the tradition of Lisbon’s popular festivals in a modern and creative way. The sardine was conceived as a simple yet striking shape that reflected the cultural identity of the city and its festivals. With vibrant colors and a distinctive shape, the sardine symbolizes both Lisbon’s gastronomic tradition and the festivity and joy characteristic of the event.

The design was so successful that, from 2011, a public competition was held to create new versions of the sardine each year, allowing artists from different styles and cultures to contribute their vision to the event. In addition, the project was expanded to be used on a range of visual communication materials, such as posters, postcards and even souvenirs, becoming a true emblem of the Lisbon Festivities.

Later, the book "500 Sardinhas", published by Imprensa Nacional-Casa da Moeda, was a concept created by the studio. It is the natural corollary of the astonishing vitality and creativity of the sardines, with a selection of 500 illustrations representing around 12,000 sardines created for the event over 10 years.