JULY 2020 

We all understand that a lot can happen in 3 months, but no one could have ever predicted what occurred and how our lives would change so much! That is one of the reasons why Kleya decided to dedicate its Leisure and Travel Highlight Summer edition to activities that seem even more enticing than usual.

We can obviously start with enjoying a dish of grilled sardines on a sunny terrace, a glass of wine on the slopes of Douro, a drink by the Tejo or Douro River or a walk through the Portuguese cobblestone sidewalks as we intake the light breezes on our faces.

But let’s focus on another aspect in our lives that we have been missing events due to the circumstances.

One event that was not cancelled this year and that you can book for your July activities in Lisbon is the Ao Largo Festival. It’s a festival that usually takes place in the square located in front of São Carlos Theatre, outdoors in the open and the best part: it’s free! Nonetheless, this Festival creates a very magical atmosphere! This year the new artistic director, the renowned Portuguese Opera Singer Elisabete de Matos, was able to create the Festival in the Patio of the Ajuda Palace. The creative flow has followed the regular alignment with the Portuguese Symphonic Orchestra, the São Carlos Choir, as well as the D.Maria Theatre and the Portuguese National Ballet.

Authors range from the classical Bizet, Verdi, Schostakovich, Franck Mozart, Fauré, Tchaikovsky to Argentinian Astor Piazzola and Gardel and Leonard Berstein. One new artistic streak is the Theatre piece “Sopro” by Tiago Rodrigues, shown the first time in the Avignon Festival and described by Le Figaro as “a vibrant homage to theatre and those who perform in it”. The Petite Messe Solennelle on the 15th July is a tribute to Health professionals that have been in the frontline fighting COVID-19.

https://www.festivalaolargo.pt/index.html

In addition to the regular Museums, the Meet Vincent van Gogh exhibition is stealing all the attention. From Holland to Portugal, the prestigious Van Gogh Museum invites us to a unique and multisensorial journey through the most important moments in Van Gogh’s life. The exhibition has been extended to 3rd January. https://meetvincent.com/lisbon/

https://nit.pt/cultura/teatro-e-exposicoes/obras-completas-de-shakespeare-em-97-minutos-estao-volta-lisboa

In a time when gardens are more than ever a place of freedom, Gulbenkian sets forth the Summer Garden from the 3rd until 19th July with an eclectic repertoire mixing art installations, performances and music. https://gulbenkian.pt/jardim-de-verao-2020/

If you’re a book worm, make sure to visit Porto’s Book Fair in the gardens of the Crystal Palace from 28th August until 13th September. At this time, you may also enjoy a series of Pocket concerts. Special hygiene measures will be enforced, as well as social distancing measures. Nonetheless, you are able to enjoy an outdoor activity in safety!

Last but not least the São João Theatre in Porto will celebrate its 100th anniversary, unforeseeably this year but the pandemic forced the celebration’s festivities were cancelled. To make up for it and to honour the Health and Civil Protection professionals, a special show will take place between the 2nd and 4th of July. 

In the Algarve, although subject to last-minute changes, there are a few events dedicated to music that might strike a chord with you. There are concerts in Loulé, Faro, São Brás de Alportel, Aljezur among others throughout July, August and September. For Jazz lovers, the Smooth Jazz Gourmet Sessions will take place between the 11th and the 25th of September across the Algarve. To know more: https://www.visitalgarve.pt/pt/agenda.aspx?page=2&cat=182

For those who appreciate Flea Markets, Feira da Ladra is back in Campo de Santa Clara and with sanitary regulations and capacity limitation. Kleya strongly recommends visiting as this is one of the most and traditional local events, but don’t forget your disinfectant gel! In the Algarve, you can also visit the Handicrafts Fair in Monte Gordo until 31st July and in São Brás de Alportel on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month and the Flea Market in Vila Real de Santo António until 25th July. 

Friendly reminder: To enjoy these and other activities it is necessary to use masks. This, not only protects you, but also our community and prevents from spreading the COVID-19. Some activities are due to change due to the current scenario.