Boom Festival
Transformational festivals are growing in appeal. While Burning Man is widely known for its large-scale, dramatic temporary city in the Nevada desert, there are many other countries who also play host to alternative gatherings.
Boom Festival in Portugal is a biennial event, close to the Spanish border, and 260 kilometres from capital city Lisbon. Held during the hot, dry Portuguese summer, Boom takes up prime position beside Idanha-A-Nova lake.
Everything about this week-long affair caters to the festival goer looking for a more considered, conscientious experience. Trance dance may be a feature on the menu for those keen to party inside the open-air Dance Temple, however Boom also promises regular occurrences of film screenings, lectures, discussion panels, movement workshops, as well as lessons on topics like permaculture, cosmic awareness and shamanism.
The lake is readily available to cool off in and there are huge areas devoted to visual art exhibits. The organisers have designated quiet areas away from the dance floor intensity, and the food is healthy and delicious.
Prepare for an experience far removed from everyday life, be accepting of fellow revellers’ alternative views and it will be easy to disappear into the Boom dimension for a few days.
WORDS OF WISDOM
- Snag tickets early and book into the Wanbli Tipi Camp. Perfect for travellers who don’t have ready access to camping equipment, the North American tipi village allows one to bring just personal belongings, with bed, sheets, pillows and other essentials supplied.
- Refuel with an Açai cone. Sold in both the Dance Temple and the Restaurants Area, açai is a Brazilian fruit high in nutrients. At Boom the berry is served frozen like an ice cream, and comes topped with muesli.
- Forgot something? Visit the Boom Grocery Store for fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh bread, camping gear and organic toiletries.
- Trawl the Boom website. It’s a wealth of information that will ensure planning and logistics are pulled off easily.
Visit Boom Festival
