- Words Miriam Balanescu
This June, the Portuguese festival FENDA will take Braga by storm with a spectacle for both the eyes and ears.
The festival FENDA will take to the streets of Braga, a Portuguese city known for its rich history and traditions, as part of Braga – Culture Capital of the Atlantic Axis 2021.
With Cosmic Burger collective providing artistic direction in co-organisation with Braga Municipality, the event places equal emphasis on visual or performing arts and quality music.
FENDA will be an exciting opportunity to catch the best of Braga’s local talent, along with some international giants. This year’s line-up includes Evian Christ, who will present a special A/V show designed for the festival, homebred hip-hop luminary Angela Policia, Argentine artist Catnapp, Wav.in Collective and UK multimedia wielder Iglooghost.
Scattered around the enticing streets of Braga will also be 12 murals from 12 artists, hidden in façades and shop windows. The pop-up art circuit is spearheaded by Portuguese artist B.E.K, who is the urban arts ambassador of the festival.
B.E.K has always been enraptured by the world of graphic arts, with a special interest in architecture and religious figurative elements – perfect for a city like Braga, whose religious architecture is a defining feature. His league of artists includes: Júlio Dolbeth, assistant professor at the University of Porto’s Faculty of Fine Arts and Dama Aflita gallery co-founder and former curator; street art guru Lidia Cao; 24-year-old Porto-born, Copenhagen-based Lourenço Providência; hallmark illustrators Mariana, a Miserável and Sebastião Peixoto; co-founder of the Senhora Presidenta Gallery, Mariana Malhão; urban art ninja and artistic producer at BECUH Porto, MynameisnotSEM; Ócio collective kingpin and creative director at Estúdio Criativo Girina, Nelson Duarte; 3D artist Serafim Mendes; public art curator Tayone; and inimitable painter Teresa Arega.
FENDA will take place between the 25th-27th June 2021. Admission is free.
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