Popular Animation
Feast of the Ascension
Thursday | 29 of May | 5 p.m. | Stage Adro da Igreja Matriz da Ponta do Sol
(Only in Portuguese)
The Aqui Acolá Festival continues to promote popular culture and the most unique aspects of Ponta do Sol. On the first day of the festival, Ponta do Sol celebrates the Ascension, a religious festival that is unique in the country.
It is a Catholic mass that is independent of the organisation of the Festival. However, it deserves to be highlighted and promoted because of its uniqueness, especially the ritual of throwing rose petals, which are collected to be thrown on crops or fruit trees.
The Aqui Acolá collaborates in the organisation of the Parade of the Holy Spirit and other logistical aspects that make the whole celebration possible. It's a contribution that makes it possible to celebrate popular culture at its best.
Balões no a_ar
Thursday | 29th of May | 6:15 p.m. | Stage Solário
Hot air balloons
The launch of hot air balloons, built by the local people, is a deeply held tradition at various festivals in Ponta do Sol.
This year they will also be launched to celebrate the Ascension of the Lord, in an act that symbolises joy, faith and community.
These are handmade balloons, carefully crafted, which will be released into the sky as an expression of popular faith.
Saloias and Grupo Pascal Show
Thursday | 29th of May | 7 p.m. | Stage Adro da Igreja Matriz de Ponta do Sol
The Aqui Acolá Festival presents a show of the songs of the Holy Spirit, with Saloias from the different parishes of the municipality, dressed in full traditional costume.
The Easter Group, led by Ponta do Sol artist Zé Alberto, leads the whole show, which closes with a performance that recovers the popular style so characteristic of traditional Madeiran festivals.
In this festive atmosphere, marked by the singing of the Holy Spirit, the festivities will continue in the churchyard of the parish church of Ponta do Sol, in true Madeira festival style.
ALGO – Drumming & Balloon Launch
Friday | 30th of May | 11:30 p.m. | Stage Solário
In recent years, Aqui Acolá has brought surprises to the festival. ALGO is shrouded in mystery.
It will be a light, sound and image project. Something that will happen...
Street entertainment: Ponta do Sol Folklore Group
Saturday | 31st of May | 6:30 p.m. | Stage Ruas da Vila
The Ponta do Sol Folklore Group was founded in 1981 and has done a remarkable job of collecting, preserving and promoting the customs and traditions of Madeira, particularly those of the Ponta do Sol municipality.
In addition to being a full member of the Portuguese Folklore Federation since 1990 and participating in various folklore festivals, both national and international, the group has been responsible for promoting the traditions of Ponta do Sol at each edition of the Aqui Acolá Festival.
This year isn’t an exception, and the group is presenting several live paintings representing the history of Ponta do Sol in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Release of Balloons
Sunday | 1st of June | 2 p.m. | Stage Solário
The Folklore School of Ponta do Sol will give a special performance, accompanied by the launch of balloons built during the workshop.
