Artists will be producing new sculptures for the festival every weekend including a representation of Sid from the Ice Age films and a piece dedicated to the Olympic Games to mark the closure of the event on August 20 and 21.
If you are a fan of Pokémon and are keen to “catch them all” then FIESA is the perfect place to visit with four Pokéstops and a gym all within the site.
FIESA will also be carving the iconic Pikachu for visitors to then find among the hundreds of existing sand sculptures at the festival – bringing Pokémon Go into the real world!
During the sand sculpture demonstrations each weekend, guests are able to observe the creation of a piece as it transforms from a compacted pile of sand into a beautiful figure or object.
New sculptures will be created by Paulo Quaresma who will be working each day between 10am and 1pm and then from 4pm until 9pm, with occasional help from Jorge Marques, another sculptor from the festival. As well as being able to view new sculptures being created, visitors to the festival are also able to watch as pieces are repaired during the week.
FIESA, which is open until October, is one of the largest collections of sand sculptures and uses 40,000 tonnes of sand to create sculptures by some of the best sand artists in the world.
FIESA is open daily from 10am until midnight and at night the sculptures are illuminated to create an enchanting atmosphere while there are also a number of special activities available for both children and adults.
Fish spa and best sculpture competition.
One of the most popular features at FIESA, away from the sculptures, is the fish foot spa area, where visitors can experience the massage effects of the garra rufa fish as they gently suck out impurities from the skin – this one is particularly popular with children at the festival!
While at the festival also take the time to vote for your favourite sculpture, with the results of the vote being revealed at the end of September.
Already there are some sculptures that are proving to be very popular including those of Mick Jagger, Freddy Mercury and David Bowie from the world of pop and rock while those representing Pink Floyd and Michael Jackson have also gained many votes.
Among the favourites from the children’s animated category are the characters from Madagascar, Frozen, Gormiti, Noddy and Alice in Wonderland. From the Portuguese music area, currently on top are Zeca Afonso and Maria while other highlights include the sculpture of Johnny Depp as he appears in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.