"Festa do Avante" (there's no party like this one!)
Last 2nd, 3rd and 4th of September the Portuguese Communist Party [PCP] promoted once more one of the main public events that in a certain way fits in the portuguese cultural agenda.
Nevertheless the obvious political connotation it gathers a lot of people of all types of ages and convictions.
I'm going to be honest with you, I don't belong to any party at all, I'm not even sure about left or right, but it's impossible to stay indifferent to that avalanche of energy, share and passion. If even for just a few days (3) you could step aside from any preconceived ideas you'd appreciate all the group dynamics that in short time and counting with volunteers find a way to raise all this.
Concerts, Theatre, Cinema, Art Gallery, PCP meeting and typical food from each portuguese region at a very reasonable price. If this it's not enough, please consider a lot of nice people and all the red you can get!
I went to see all this with my very own eyes and here you have some snapshots and personal comments.
There was also an international area where you could have a "taste" of the richness that lies on every single represented culture, from the palestinian shawarma to the cuban mojitos ;)
One of the highlights was the PCP exhibition. All the relevant personalities and main events along its history where there in a very friendly and stylish way. Even if you don't belong to this party you'd give the highest mark!
It was possible to know a little bit more of how the official paper "Avante!" was first published, even during the dictatorship times.
One of the works that could be seen in the Art gallery...
... where special performances for kids also took place!
Despite the crowd and busy agenda of cultural events it was always possible to step aside and relax a little bit.
Opportunity also to play some popular games and learn from the best. I wouldn't like to compete with this guys ;)
And one of the concerts that took place in one of the two stages available. "Virgem Suta", in my opinion the best for the joy with which they were performing and all the energy and dynamic that came out from the stage and from everyone that were there.
I found out that for me the highlight of the 3 days where all the people I had the opportunity to meet and some of them were kind enough allowing me to take their picture.
And the surprises just keep on comin' =D
The PCP meeting! It was quite a challenge trying to capture in picture all the red, the energy, passion and will that came from the speeches and consequently from the crowd.
(important to notice that when I say red I mean the color and no less provocative political connotation!)
Representing the youngest members of the communist party, Débora Santos also made a speech. (Débora Santos... hum... passion... energy... guts... hum... ;) )
3 amazing days for sure! Congrats to the staff and all the volunteers than made this possible.
PF
