What to visit in Lisbon

The banks of one of the biggest rivers in Europe, the Tajo, will be the home for the exotic Festival of the Oceans, held in Lisbon between the 30th of July and the 13th August.

In the city of Pessoa, there are various recreational and cultural projects but this is one which is particularly loved by Lisboans. The event remembers the discoveries, navigating of the brilliant past of the town, harking back to when the Portuguese sail boats cruised the seas.

The festival comprises of a fun and varied two week long programme, with diverse events with free entry; concerts, street performances, open museums, exhibitions, animations and other interactive activities which aim to be accessible to all.

Each year a different theme is picked, and this year’s is: Universality, Sustainability, and Entertainment.

The festival’s opening night (30th June) will be marked by a concert from Portuguese band X-Wife, followed by singer, composer and actress Joss Stone, a global name in soul music. A duet with Sarah Tavares will close the evening.

And of course, in the capital of fado music, a music festival cannot go without honouring the popular Portuguese style of music, whose muse, Amália Rodrigues, has become famous all round the world. The fado nights at the festival are 1st, 3rd, 8th and 10th of August. The location is the renovated Galé Patio next to the Square of Commerce. The four fado nights also encourage the interaction with other cultures, linking the genre with Brazilian, Angolan, Hindu music…

On the first of august António Zambujo invites Roberta Sá (Brazil).

The Waterwall (5th and 6th of August) is one of the main draws; upon a huge metal structure, dancers and acrobats give an unforgettable show. Behind all the spectacle is a dance performance of incredible technique, as well as a light show – the best possible celebration of the Gods of the seas.

Walk inside a light sculpture during the Luminarium event, the handiwork of the Architects of the Air http://www.architects-of-air.com – a truly unique part of the festival (30th of July-13th August).

And there is a whole world waiting for the kids too – the spaces for children are called the caravels, which were invented and used by the Portuguese during the period of discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries. The Vera Cruz Caravel is an exact replica of the old Portuguese caravels, and was built in 2000 in Vila do Conde, during the commemoration of 500 years of the discovery of Brazil.

The big date for kids is inside this mythical boat, with lots of workshops and activities (Marina Parque das Naçoes. 10am-7pm).

This and much more awaits you in the wonderful, elegant city of Lisbon.

But, before the festival kicks off, find out more about the action packed few days of celebration of “the oceans.”

Web: www.festivaldosoceanos.com

Sibilla

Don’t forget to rent apartments in Lisbon for some rest after this wonderful festival.

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Translated by: Poppy
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