Sardine Contest 2026: Official Rules and Creative Guide for Cartoonists

The Atlantic breeze is carrying a familiar scent to the world of illustration: the Lisbon Sardine Contest 2026 is officially open! Hosted by EGEAC (Empresa de Gestão de Equipamentos e Animação Cultural), this international competition invites cartoonists, designers, and creative minds from all over the globe to reimagine the iconic silhouette of the Lisbon sardine.

If you are looking to showcase your talent on an international stage and win a substantial prize, here is the complete guide based on the official conditions of participation.

1. Object and Copyright (Article 1)

The contest aims to encourage global participation. By entering, you acknowledge that your designs may be used freely by EGEAC for non-commercial purposes (exhibitions, social media, publications, etc.).

• Ownership: While EGEAC holds the rights for promotion, any commercial use of the winning designs will be subject to a specific contract and a separate agreement signed by both parties.
• Credit: Creators must reference their participation in the “Sardine Contest” whenever the design is used elsewhere, and EGEAC must be notified in advance.

2. Who Can Enter? (Article 2 & 3)

The contest is open to everyone of all ages, regardless of nationality or residency.

• Individuals or Groups: You can enter alone or as a co-author.
• Limit: Each applicant (individual or group) can submit a maximum of three sardine designs.
• Originality: You are legally responsible for ensuring the design is your own original work and does not infringe on third-party copyrights.

3. Design Requirements (Article 4)

To ensure your entry is valid, follow these essential visual rules:

• Unpublished Work: Your design must be original and never published before.
• The Shape: It must be clearly recognizable as a sardine. You can download the official sardine-shaped outline at www.egeac.pt.
• Anonymity: The design must not contain any elements identifying the creator, nor should it include brands, logos, or the text “Festas de Lisboa.”
• Techniques: You can use any technique—manual (collages, photos, 3D objects) or digital. Manual designs must be high-quality digital scans or photos.

4. Technical Specifications (Article 5)

All entries must be submitted digitally via the official website:

• Format: JPEG/JPG file (Max 50MB).
• Dimensions: Maximum A3 size (42cm x 29.7cm).
• Resolution: 300 dpi.
• Registration: Minors must be registered by a parent or legal guardian.

5. Calendar and Prizes (Article 6 & 7)

• Deadline: Submit your designs by April 7, 2026, at 18:00 (Lisbon time).
• The Prize: 5 winning designs will be selected. Each winner will receive a net cash prize of €1,500.
• Announcement: Winners will be notified by email or telephone by May 31, 2026.

6. Queries and Official Contact (Article 9)

If you have any questions regarding the interpretation of these rules or the submission process, you must contact the organizers directly.

• Official Email: concursosardinhas@egeac.pt EGEAC is the exclusive authority for resolving any queries or omissions in the contest conditions.

Submit your design by 6pm on 7 April at Sardines Contest platform (link).

Conditions for participating (link)

Silhouette of a sardine (link)