Pêra, Algarve (Portugal) Worlds Largest Sand Sculpting Festival

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Sand discoveries in Algarve
Visit he world’s largest sand sculpture festival 
 
If Algarve in southern Portugal is your pick for this summer, expect more than sunny sandy beaches, cold beer, crazy clubbing and fabulous sea food. At the picturesque village of Pêrawith one of the region’s best beaches, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit the only sand sculpture festival in the Iberian peninsula and what is probably the world’s largest. Fiesa Festival runs throughout the summer (from May 22 to October 22) and occupies an area of 15,000 square meters at the Pêra beach, between Albufeira and Lagoa.

On that immense open-air museum you can admire the skills of sculptors from various countries as they create genuine works of art in the sand. Fiesa, the International Sand Sculptures Festival, is dedicated to a different theme each year. This year the theme of the festival is Discoveries and artists need to be inspired from the Portuguese and other brave navigators who found new faraway lands.

Fiesa is showcasing the work of the skilful hands of artists of various nationalities that shape over 35,000 tonnes of sand during a one-month period. The exhibition site is open from 10 in the morning until midnight. Daytime visits are best to appreciate the skillful details on the sculptures. Some of the figures are incredibly life-like with wonderful expressions.

Fascinating during the day, at night the park takes on a magical glow. The sculptures are carefully illuminated to add to their beauty and mystery. The mellow atmosphere is complemented by the background music, plenty of animation and entertaining events. Fiesa also has a playful and pedagogical dimension, with an area reserved for all those who would like to express their creativity by building sand sculptures.