By NUNO GLASSBROOK
Whoever believes they have seen it all when the biggest international sand sculpture festival of the world is mentioned, they’re wrong. It’s back and it’s better than ever.
“Unbelievable” was one of the few words that sprung to my mind when I had the rare opportunity to walk around the grounds, taking photographs while the artists were still working.
I couldn’t believe what my eyes were seeing when I laid them upon 40 tonnes of transformed sand.
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It was only when the bulldozer whooshed behind me that I came to with my senses.
It was rather hard to keep my mouth closed, as every time I looked round the corner another amazing figure stood tall before me, bringing recollections of my favourite childhood cartoons.
I had always dreamt of bumping into the real life characters of the comic books that I used to devour as a child, and now, years on, those dreams have become reality.
I rubbed my eyes a few times to make sure I was wide awake. How often do you get the chance to see Jolly Jumper beating Lucky Luke at a game of checkers?
Or even the Lion King sitting on a throne? You will see the Animal Kingdom like never before.
How many times have you wondered what a donkey would look like sitting on a cart pulled by a man?
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For everyone, visiting FIESA this year will definitely bring a lot of joy and warmth, the older ones because the cartoons from comic books are there and for the younger generations their heroes from the animated films.
Until June 9, everyone will be able to watch the artists at work which is the first time this has happened. Sand sculpting workshops are available, as well as transportation at a minimal fee depending on where you are along the Algarve’s coast.
FIESA will be open to the public from today (Friday) until June 9 from 10am to 8pm and September 15 to October 15 with the same timetable. From June 10 to September 14 the event will stay open until 11pm.
Costs haven’t changed so children up to six years of age go for free, from 6 to 12 it costs €4.50, from 12 to 65 €8 and 65+ €6.80.
For more information, please visit www.fiesa.org (only available in Portuguese) or call 969 459 259.
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