However, if you happen to be in Lissabon
the first week of July, there is an event that
should not be missed. Sagres holds it's annual
beer-festival in the Castle of Sâo Jorge. Except
from a few a bit embarrasing Sagres-banners, the
castle has an air of a genuine medieval fiesta. An
abundance of food-stalls preparing all sorts of
small tapas. And of course the Sagres-beer. The
impressive castle-walls all around creates an
atmosphere that takes you back at least 500 years.
Happy people enjoying the fair as the velvet night
draws on and the bands starts to play.
The prize this year definately goes to the
Portugeese band Folkquest. They played
music in the Gaelic/Keltic/Bretagne-tradition.
Seldom have I seen a band play with such a joy and
vibrant skill! Ireland and Armorica,- eat your
heart out! These guys are good! They really had
the castlewalls rocking and the people dancing to
their rythms...
As the night wore on, the nobility
made their appearance amongst the commoners.
Making our way back down to the city with the
no. 28 tram was a remarkable experience. The
streets are narrow and steep, and cars are parked
everywhere, blocking the tram. Big crowds milling
about. Towtrucks, bluelights,- a remarkable chaos.
Our female tramdriver simply said: -I don't know
if we ever make it down. Whatever happens will
happen.
The tram finally made it down this year
as well....
Again,- if you're in Lissabon the first weekend
of July,- make sure you don't miss this fair!
Portugal has many exciting artists and
beautiful music-traditions.
One of them is
Dulce Pontes.
