The highlight of the event is the Lampião Walk on Saturday night.
Preparations have been in full swing in the village located on the slopes of the Serra da Estrela, in the district of Guarda, where community groups and residents are focused on organizing the festivities.
“There is indeed a lot of effort to showcase to tourists and visitors a pagan tradition combined with the best this mountain village has to offer: the surrounding nature, ancient culture, and the finest delicacies,” stated the Integrated Development Association of the Network of Mountain Villages in a press release.
The festivities commence today at 18:00 with street entertainment provided by Sons da Serra and Fanfarra Nemfanemfum.
On Saturday at 09:00, an electric bike ride begins, and participants can join workshops on felting, carded wool drawing, and goat cheese making in the afternoon.
At 22:00, the Lampião Walk begins with a night-time route through the fields near the Alvoco stream, paying tribute to the farmers of the past who watered the fields using “water turns” lit by the light of a lantern.
“For the inhabitants – and especially for the village children – summer began with this activity that fills the mountains with small dots of light wandering around,” noted the organization in the same statement.
Registrations for participation can be made through phone numbers 238953849 or 238953886.
The program also includes drums and accordions, traditional games, singing contests, oriental dances, and concerts with traditional instruments like the hurdy-gurdy, tambourine, accordion, viola beiroa, and shepherd’s flute.
The Solstice Festival is promoted by the Parish Council of Alvoco da Serra, in partnership with all the local community groups.
The three-day event is part of the Animation Plan for the Network of Mountain Villages and is intended “for all those who wish to witness the beginning of summer in the heart of the Serra da Estrela.”
