Every June, Lisbon celebrates its Patron Saints with street entertainment, concerts, shows and folk festivals that are held thoughout the city.
Last sunday, a very fine day, I walked down to a big park in my neighborhood and without having been told before, by chance I attended a folk dance show performed by two groups: one from the north and the other from the south. You will easily notice how different their costumes and rhythm are. In the north, the dance is characterized by a 3 step rhythm very similar to waltz, but it is faster and the couples dance front-to-front without holding hands. By contrast, the pairs from the south are always embraced, forming a circle, girls inside and the boys outside the circle. By rotating the circle the pairs evolve side by side.
No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you... You see a Thai pavilion in the park. That was presented, last year, to Lisbon authority by the Thai Government to celebrate the 500 years of the Portuguese-Thai diplomatic relationship.
I ended my walk through the opposite side of the Park, but not before giving a look around at the market that is held over there every two sundays.
Enjoy!
I love all the costumes! It's amazing to see the dedication of the people who practice all these wonderful dances and dress in folk costumes, that takes a special love and lots of time! I like that you snuck in candids of attendees too! lol....
ReplyDeleteThat purple blooming tree is magnificent.
looks like a wonderful afternoon!
How delightful!
ReplyDeleteLovely folk dance, especially their clothes. Did you dance with them? Belita?
Oh I love this. I love their colorful costumes....
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a wonderful day.
Enjoyed every photo and every bit of musuc and information!! You really brought the festival to us - next best thing to being there. he dancers reall love what they do!! Loved this Belita!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome Belita. The colours, the dancing, the interesting goodies at market, and that huge Jackaranda tree just stunning.
ReplyDeleteTerrific shots - glad you had opportunity to take them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful event!! So much colour and character. I really enjoyed your photos :-))
ReplyDeleteJacaranda tree purple flowers are our sign of arrival of summer. You see them everywhere in Lisbon.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I did, Sophie! How could I resist from doing it with my fellows from the north....
ReplyDeleteThanks all for your kind comments.
ReplyDeleteI love this art of folk music and the dance as well... I really enjoyed it...
ReplyDeleteAt least a great atmosphere in Lisbon...