FiESA 2012 - 'Idols'
FiESA 2012 is the tenth Algarve outing for reputedly the world's largest and most ambitious display of sand sculpting - and it starts on May 25th! *** For latest Fiesa news, click here ***
This years sand spectacular is themed Idols and deals with the cult of celebrity that has been so prevalent since the latter half of the 20th century. Of course, having recognisable images is great for the Fiesa crews purposes, since that means the exhibits will be even more popular with all ages. I liked the Hollywood exhibition (2008) for just that reason: its fun to recognise a face or a thing (Indiana Jones, or the Hogwarts express train). Open for longer, Fiesa 2012 will run from 25 May to 25 October, so that youll be able to visit just about whenever you make it to the Algarve. As well, this year sees the introduction of a new feature that Ill be looking forward to trying its billed as a new structure to afford an alternative view of the site (intriguing). Theres also mention of some of the sculptures being walk-through so Ill be taking my hard hat and lifejacket along!
Ill be posting some Fiesa 2012 pics here as soon as I can, but feel free to send me some of yours if youd like to have them featured here just use the form below.
Since I'm back in the UK at present, I'll miss yet another opening... So, I'll have to console myself witht the knowledge that I'll be over in the sunshine before Fiesa 2012 can finish. I've been there every year except the first (2003) and I'm not about to change that pattern. Last year's theme (see my Fiesa 2011 page) was 'Animal Kingdom' (Animalandia). FiESA 2012 - there's lots of sand...Just to give you some idea of the scale, here I am at a previous FIESA (2010), dwarfed by the huge, complex sculptures.
As always, I'm happy to explain that 'FiESA' stands for "Festival Internacional de Esculturas em Areia" or, to most visitors - International Festival of Sculptures in Sand. The site's at Pera, near Armacao de Pera (also worth visiting when you're in the vicinity). For the last few years, they've run these liveried buses, so that, wherever you might be in the Algarve, you can just jump aboard and be transported to the FiESA site.
A FiESA bus - hard to miss! Pick-up locations include: 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). Just look for the FiESA sales point near where you're staying along the coast. Should you be lucky enough to visit FiESA 2012, please share your experiences by making use of the contact form below. Even include a couple of your favourite pics... FiESA 2012 Admission PricesPrices have increased slightly this year, for the first time in a few - 9 Euros for adults, 4.50 Euros for kids between 6 and 12 years of age, and those younger than 6 years get in free. Over-65s qualify for a 15% discount, which I calculate makes a ticket 7.65 Euros. If you can find 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 2011 visit (covers up to 5 adults per coupon). Alternatively, pop into a Continente supermarket and pick up a leaflet which gives the same discount of 10% for up to 5 persons. FiESA 2012 FavouritesI'll be featuring my top exhibits here, and yours too, if you'd like to contribute using the form below
Here's something you might not want to see after dark!
FiESA 2012 Opening TimesThe Pera site is open:
A sand artist at work As always, younger visitors can receive free lessons in sand sculpting (advertised times only) but there are plenty of other amusements, and lots of shaded areas where adults can stay cool with a drink or snack. Knick-knacks and souvenirsJust inside the entrance to the site, you'll find stalls and tents selling crafts, jewellery and clothing. I always say I won't, but I usually buy something gaudy anyway... FiESA 2012 - How You Saw ItI'm always happy to include others' impressions of the sand sculptures. This area is where I'll put the links to pages that show what other visitors to FiESA 2012 (and who are also Algarve Beach Life aficionados) thought about the sand sculptures this year... Please fill in this form if you want to feature some of your own pics and experiences of FiESA 2012 on Algarve Beach Life : Fiesa 2012 Latest NewsNote the variation in opening times during the
season. It would be a shame to turn up too early
or too late.
About ProSandArtThat's the name of the company responsible for producing FiESA 2011. Founder Alper Alagoz is a sand sculptor from Turkey and apparently devised the method of producing large, vertical sculptures of the sort that feature so strikingly in FiESA 2011. 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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