- The 11th edition of the Gliding Barnacles festival will take place from September 18th to 22nd, at Praia do Cabedelo, in Figueira da Foz.
- More than ten thousand people are expected at Praia do Cabedelo for a celebration of surfing as an art form.
The event, with the irreverent essence of Vans and the only surf, art, and music festival in Europe, is returning to Praia do Cabedelo, in Figueira da Foz, for its biggest edition ever. Gliding Barnacles, the festival that transforms the Portuguese coast into a global epicenter of creativity, will take place from September 18th to 22nd, 2024, and promises to bring together more than ten thousand people in an unprecedented celebration of surfing as a creative expression.
Surf as an artistic expression
Gliding Barnacles redefines surfing, presenting it not as a competition but as a form of creative expression, aligning with the values upheld by the Californian brand. A unique format on a global level. In this edition, renowned surfers such as Eurico Romaguera, Clovis Donizetti, Karina Rozunko, and Ambre Victoire will showcase their style, creativity, and innovation in free sessions.
A celebration of cultural diversity
This year's program includes nearly 40 live concerts, blending emerging bands with familiar names such as Subway Riders, 800 Gondomar, Da Chick, and Manteau. An open artistic residency will feature interventions in various formats, from mural painting and screen printing to sculpture and weaving, with artists like Sofia Cruz (Krus), Gémeo Luís, Paul McNeill, and Tanya Fryer. Between waves and concerts, there will also be haircuts, tattoos on the beach, and live surfboard crafting. With the sea and hundreds of sofas as the backdrop, Praia do Cabedelo will also host artistic performances, a street food market, and a craft fair.
The big novelty this year is the extension of the artistic residency to gastronomy, curated by Paulo Amado, founder of Edições do Gosto. Several chefs will present their creations, including Joana Duarte from Rota das Algas, Miguel Menezes from Douro Palace Hotel, João Bívar from Shun Open Kitchen, Filipe Camacho from Petiscaria Âncora, and João Sá from Sála de João Sá, with a Michelin star.
More than just a festival
Gliding Barnacles goes beyond the concept of a festival, positioning itself as a catalyst for cultural change. "In a city known for its beach tourism, but still off the radar as a surf destination, we decided to create an event, engage the local community, and attract even more people," explains Eurico Gonçalves.
Beatriz Fonseca, responsible for the organization, emphasizes that "Gliding Barnacles is more than just a festival; it’s a cultural movement that brings together the local community and visitors from all over the world. It's been ten years of great learning, but, above all, of a strong desire to share what our region and country have to offer. The concept of sharing has been and continues to be the driving force behind Gliding Barnacles."
The Companhia das Soluções is the agency responsible for Vans' communication & public relations.
