I recently had the pleasure of meeting Sónia Pereira in Olhão, where we explored her inspiring work as a local storyteller offering literary walks throughout the town.
Sónia is a passionate advocate for Portuguese literature and culture, with a career that spans teaching, literary outreach, and collaborations with fellow artists.
Sónia’s literary tours of Olhão blend history, culture, and poetic exploration. With a special focus on the poet João Lúcio and his Chalé, these tours reflect on the early 20th century, the booming canning industry (Olhão’s golden age), and the town’s unique architecture.
Participants learn about the resilient spirit of Olhão, including the local fishermen’s resistance against the French and the legendary, often harrowing, voyage of the Restoration in 1808 on the Bom Sucesso ship to deliver news of the French defeat to the Prince Regent, João VI.
Sónia captures the essence of the seafarer’s life, exploring their fears, vices, and desires in connection with the Ria Formosa. She deeply understands this relationship as her grandfather sailed to Greenland in search of cod during hard times in Portugal.
Her literary journey began in 1998 with a publication in Oficina de Poesia (Poetry Workshop), a magazine from the University of Coimbra, where she gained a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages and Literature, specialising in Portuguese Studies.
Sónia has honed her commitment to literature through 14 years in libraries across the Algarve, where she has conducted poetry recitals in local venues.
In 2024, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, Sónia conceived two literary shows, “Palavras Interditas” and “Palavras À Solta,” held in various municipal libraries as part of the Experiment’arte initiative.
In September 2025, she expanded her offerings with Poetic Therapy, available in person and online, emphasising mental well-being through literature. She states: “With carefully selected literary materials and guided by active listening, the reader is led to understand their conflicts through the characters’ experiences.”
Her eco-literary project, “The Secret Life of Trees and the Sea”, reflects her commitment to environmental awareness and is part of the multidisciplinary project “Maré”.
Looking ahead to 2026, Sónia is preparing a bilingual show in Portuguese and German focusing on the poet Florbela Espanca.
Sónia Pereira’s work embodies her dedication to literature, education, and community. Through her initiatives, she inspires others with the transformative power of poetry and storytelling.
For more information about her work, contact Sónia at 962 790 374 or via email sonia.pereira.experimentarte@gmail.com
Follow her on Facebook – “Experiment’arte“
By Sue Hall – www.suehall.net
