The goals of the festival were to celebrate and share Ukrainian’s rich culture with Portuguese residents and expats, raise morale for the Ukrainian community living in Portugal, including recent refugees, and give thanks for the overwhelming support and warm welcome the Ukrainian community received in Portugal since the war began.

The Câmara of Lagos, the Marina of Lagos, and other local businesses and individual sponsors were major contributors to the success of the festival that featured live traditional music, dances and foods from Ukraine, as well as authentic dress and handcrafted items that are unique to the Ukrainian culture.

This year’s “Felizonda” Ukrainian Portuguese festival will take place in Lagos on the Avenida de Lagos over four days: June 29th and 30th, and July 1st and 2nd. An estimated 40,000 participants are expected to attend the event this year. Admission is free.


Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

The line-up this year will feature the famous 36-piece Ukrainian National Orchestra that will be brought to Portugal from Ukraine, in addition to other Ukrainian musical acts, and headlining Portuguese, English and other bands. Along with a full roster of music, the festival will have a replica of a typical Ukrainian village, traditional dances, and food trucks, jewellery and other hand-crafted items from both Ukraine and Portugal, as well as a children’s game area.


Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

A live video link with the Ministry of Culture in Ukraine is also planned at some point during the festival to provide a bridge between the two countries, and share the spirit of Ukrainian culture with those still living in Ukraine.

Proceeds from this year’s festival will be used to support the Centre for Rehabilitation in Ukraine. The centre, recently featured on CNN, was started by a mother who lost her son, a pilot, in the war. The centre helps the physically and psychologically traumatized soldiers and citizens of Ukraine get the support and treatment they need.


Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Client;

There are many ways you can help, which includes becoming a sponsor, making a donation, performing at the festival and joining the festival walk, “Caminhando Juntos”, on Sunday, July 2nd.

For more information, please visit https://oranta.pt or email oranta.pt@gmail.com.