FiESA 2010: Living It!
This year's instalment - FiESA 2010 - of the annual sand-bash at Pera, in Algarve, is entitled 'The Living World'. As has become the norm, it's running from 22 May to 22 October. It is widely hailed as the premier sand sculpture exhibition anywhere on the planet, and should be a 'must-do' if you're visiting Algarve while it's on. Although I've been along to see the sculptures this year, I'm writing this 'on the hoof', as I'm travelling so much at the moment, so it'll be a while longer before I manage to put up my usual plethora of digital photos! Please bear with me... Since 2004, I've never missed a FiESA, and often I go more than once! All my visitors are taken to see it, since I get a real 'kick' from seeing their faces when they enter the site! (Reminds me of my own first visit). So, while I'm mildly aggrieved that I missed the first ever FiESA, in 2003, I console myself with the thought that I've seen more than most... Every year, they come up with a different theme, which must be tricky, since there's so much sand to use up (around 35,000 tonnes of it!) and that makes for a lot of exhibits. Sand artists (yes, they do exist) from around the world gather early in the year to plan the event and decide what their own contributions will be.
And, as you can see, they've made another appearance this year! The link has to be tenuous, at least, but you can't blame them for 'bigging it up', can you? So, what is the Living World going to be all about? Read on, and I'll give you my take on the whole shebang! Lots and lots of sand...As I've written before, it is difficult, in the context of a page on the Internet, to convey in any meaningful way the sheer scale of the exhibition at any FiESA, and FiESA 2010 is no exception. The site is quite large, and the hoardings that run the length of the frontage (see the entrance bit below) is difficult to miss, so you're unlikely to drive by without noticing it.
It's become something of a convention for my husband Nev to insist that little ol' me should stand in front of a few sculptures, to give an idea of scale. Since I'm 5 foot 6 inches tall, or around 1.68 metres, I'm often dwarfed by the comparison. So, last year, I took a shot of two anonymous lady visitors who were of normal height and let them set the scale of the event for you. This year, it was my turn again, so here I am, setting the scene and showing the scale of the exhibits.
Believe me, it's B.I.G! Should you be unfamiliar with the term (as I was) FiESA is an acronym for "Festival Internacional de Esculturas em Areia" or, in English - International Festival of Sculptures in Sand. The site at Pera is easy to find and has lots of free parking on the opposite side of the road. It's a few kilometres inland from the beautiful beach at Armacao de Pera (also worth a visit when you're in the area). So, give yourself a treat and get along to see FiESA 2010. You'll be amazed at the scale and complexity of the sculptures. If you're in the Algarve and don't have your own transport, you can even make it to the show by hopping aboard the new buses they've introduced (a nifty new idea, and not before time).
A new bus, in all its fine livery! They pick up from places as far afield as (over to the east) Monte Gordo, Tavira, Quarteira/Vilamoura, Albufeira, Gale/Armacao da Pera, Carvoeiro/Portimao and, over to the west, Lagos. Prices range from 7 euros to 11 euros (half-price for children between 6 and 12 years). You just look for the FiESA sales point near where you're staying along the coast. Of course, if you've already visited this year's FiESA, why not share your experience with others less fortunate (so far)? Just use the contact form below. You can even use one of your pictures, if you'd like. FiESA 2010 Admission PricesConsidering the artistry on show, I always think that the ticket price is very reasonable. It's 8 Euros for adults, 4.50 Euros for youngsters between 6 and 12 years of age, and is free for children up to 5 years. Over-65s qualify for a 15% discount, which I calculate makes a ticket 6.8 Euros. Visitors can come and go all day, so you can check out the sculptures in daylight, then head off for dinner somewhere nice, returning afterward to enjoy the different experience of FiESA under the stars, with mood music, live bands, circus acts and, of course, the illuminated exhibits.
I'd like to have returned to see these frogs at night, but I just didn't get around to it... During my next visit, perhaps. As ever, if you can pick up a copy of the free English-language newpaper "The Portugal News" (check out any Turismo office) you get a coupon for a 10% discount on a Fiesa 2010 visit (up to 5 adults per coupon). FiESA 2010 FavouritesI'll be listing my top exhibits here, if you'd like to come back and check them out. But don't forget to send me your own favourites (pictures and a bit about why you liked them) using the form below and you can feature on an Algarve Beach Life page! At least one of the sand sculptors is as fond of cats as I am, and has fun introducing them in prominent (and sometimes subtle) positions. Try as I might, I can't see any in this particular display, though. But it is a very fine elephant
FiESA 2010 is open from 10.00 to midnight, and runs from May 22 to October 22, 2010. As always, younger visitors can receive free lessons in sand sculpting (only at certain times) but there are always other amusements for them, and plenty of shaded areas in which adults can cool off with a drink and a snack. My annual toilet warning applies: the facilities provided can seem a bit Third World, so if (like me) you're not adventurous about your ablutionary excursions, make sure to 'go' before you visit FiESA 2010. Near the entrance/exit area (which for the last couple of years has sported a space-age turnstile) there are tents and stalls at which you can inspect and buy crafts, simple jewellery and clothing.
About ProSandArtThat's the name of the company responsible for producing FiESA 2010. Its founder, Alper Alagoz, is a self-trained sand sculptor from Turkey. It is claimed that he devised the method of producing large, vertical sculptures of the sort that feature so strikingly in the FiESA exhibitions. Stay up-to-date with 'everything Algarve' by subscribing to my free monthly newsletter, Algarve Beach Life News. Just click on the link below ("For Lovers of Algarve Beach Life") or on the button at top left ("Subscribe to ABLN") -- I'll keep you updated, every month, about what's new on the site, as it's added.
Or, see other years' sand sculpture festivals here:
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Last year's theme (see my 
