It has been really long time that I did not write you but I wanted to give a break and let others write a bit. I did because I wanted you to miss me and give a break by reading my boring articles. If someone reads, of course =)
As you know, I generally try to give information about the country, the culture, the fundamentals of the volunteering projects and activities etc. I do not like to share my personal experiences since nobody will care when they read if it is not an extraordinary stuff. I also do not care so much when I see other volunteers’ articles about their trips to here or there. Because it is repetitive since the beginning. I read the old blog articles a lot, so trust me, I know it’s boring =)
In this article, I will continue to give some information about revolution of Portugal, 25 Abril 1974. Earlier, I wrote about one of the symbol of the revolution, Grândola Vila Morena, Zeca Afonso, Almada’s 50th year, and Carvalhesa. Today, I will scratch some for a cultural festival, Festa Do Avante.
Festa Do Avante 2024 Poster
I encountered Festa Do Avante at my first time here in Portugal. I was seeing the posters everywhere while we were walking around with Martyna, who was my flatmate at that time, at Margem Sul side but I did not pay much attention about it. We were walking a lot, if you know you know =))
So, after that I learned a little about it but missed the chance to attend. I promised I will visit Portugal one day and will attend Festas Populares again, and Festa Do Avante as well. I managed to come and attended my second Festas Populares de Corroios, and the first time Festa Do Avante. I was and I am so proud not only to realize one of my promise but enjoy with happy people that I met during the festival.
So, what is it and why is it significant for many?
It has been organizing by the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) successfully since 1976 and is the first event of its kind. What is its kind? Basically, it is a political and cultural event that embraces many activities such as concerts of different genres musics, cinema, book and music stores, exhibitions, political debates, foods/gastronomy, games, traditional and international dance demonstrations, and many more.. Since 1990, it takes place on the same site called Quinta da Atalaia at the coast of the bay in the borders of Seixal Municipality. I can say that the area is the best for this festival.
Main Stage
Another important part of this festival is volunteering works for the creating and preparing the place, spaces and all the field for festival by volunteers. It is a true example of communism =)
But here I have a small complaint or let’s say an objection. Even the all things are prepared by volunteers, volunteers still need to buy a ticket to enter the area and enjoy these unique events those are taken place on the stages created by them. I did not like this at all. And the ticket prices are expensive if you ask me for this kind of festival that has a beautiful idea behind. PCP is the owner of the festival and all the works is done by volunteers who are also need to buy the tickets to attend. So, the expenses are so low if you consider other festivals and concerts which have organization companies, managers and agents, the high prices for the place, the famous artists or performers etc. Also vendors pay to have a small place in the festival area for their business. So, there are many incomes and less expenses..
Yeah, for 3 days, around 32-35 euros seems like not much but when I compare those that I have written above and think about the idea behind, I say it shouldn’t be more than 25 euros, MAX!
I do not know if I will be here and go this year but I definitely crave for the next year for the 50th year, aka the golden anniversary, of the festival. What I recommend is to enjoy the Carvalhesa and dance with other people without hesitation. =))
And you can find more info about the activities and artists and much more on its official web page.
I written this article last month but because I could not manage to find the images I wanted to add, so that I did not published. I may add some more later. Here shows the last edited date. Anyway, here you go.. Have fun 😉
Tchau!
Beijinhos!!
Fica Bem!!!
Até a Próxima!!!!
Written on 13.07.2024
Published on 06.08.2024
