The good old days a la Portuguesa
With each of the four days also filled with wonderful music, from The Good Old Days party, a party mood is assured right from the get go.
EMPERORS PALACE – From Thursday 24 to Sunday 27 October @thePark at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park is set to take everyone who’s musical curious on a trip down memory lane, along with a whole host of parties planned as part of for the four-day A Festa Portuguesa spectacular.
Consider every critical aspect of Portuguese feel-good entertainment – from The Good Old Days opening party on October 24, the Miss Festa Portuguesa pageant, a headline performance from Sonia Esgueira and another from the massively successful trio Mi Casa, all this in the first two of a four-day cultural hive of activity!
In the days that will follow visitors keen for a quality cultural experience will get to view a Rio-type carnival procession, a 100 string Biker’s procession, Fado performers and Portuguese folklore dancers too. Add dance-master and legendary DJ Paul Almeida to the mix and club and party patriots can look forward to a party zone, at Emperors Palace, like nothing before. “I’m really excited about the entire event,” Almeida says. “I love the fact that it makes me focus more on my Portuguese roots. The best part is that the entertainment line-up is genuinely Portuguese and authentic, and that I very seldom have an opportunity to experience and play a part in it.” The Carnival after party too will offer what I am accustomed to – great dance music, only this time it’ll be played by Brazilian, Portuguese and Angolan DJs all together on the night!
Saturday welcomes Manual Escorcio, before midday, followed by the international headline act Toy who will take to the stage just after lunch. One of the biggest draw cards is without question the celebration of all things old school. “The opening night is going to kick the event off in pure party fanfare,” Almeida insists. Patrons can expect to vibe along with no less than three Portuguese DJs,everyone geared to set the night alight between nine and midnight on the 24th under the banner of The Good Old Days. In a little over a year the Facebook community supporting this musical celebration’s topped 10 000 fans. This over 21 event is made all more special thanks to fans of classic pop being able to sit and enjoy a meal, from any of the great restaurants at A Festa Portuguesa, or dancing off their dinner afterwards thanks to classic tunes from the trio of Portuguese DJs each dropping their respective retro road trips.
“Bringing The Good Old Days to A Festa Portuguesa is a coup,” Almeida points out. “It’s also great that this will all happen from the main stage, which means this multiple memory refresher will permeate the entire opening evening’s proceedings.”
Fabulous food, tradition and fun, that’s the recipe A Festa Portuguesa looks set to serve up in presenting the many sides and personalities of the Mediterranean hugging home of the Fado.“We want people to leave with a better understanding of our culture,” Almeida adds, “and also that they go home with full and happy stomachs. Food is such a big part of what makes Portugal exceptional. But don’t take my word for it – come sample some for yourself.”
As for why Almeida and his crew intend spending as much time, between sets, taking in the many unique sights and sounds of the A Festa Portuguesa extended weekend, he’s quick to point out,“Flavours and sounds! The mix of colours, textures and moods will intoxicate the senses that’s for sure, and also give outsiders a better idea of what Portuguese culture is all about.”
With each of the four days also filled with wonderful music, from The Good Old Days party, a party mood is assured right from the get go. “This opening party will include me, Mickey Pereira and Paul Tavares,” Almeida explains. “On Friday Mi Casa will perform live, before we shift our focus to the Carnival after party, with Samba Carioca, followed by myself, Ricardo da Costa, Dino Bravo and DJ Vix. We’ll wrap up with the Samba Carioca on Sunday where we’ll be playing some chilled Brazilian vibes. There’s something for everyone, of that you can rest assured!”
Tickets to A Festa Portuguesa cost R70 per day, for adults and R40 for scholars, students and pensioners, and are available through Computicket, Box Office at Emperors Palace or @thePark. For more information visit www.afestaportuguesa.com, Facebook.com/AFestaPortuguesa.com or contact Micaela Soliani micaela@solianimediacomms.com or 083 449 2000.
