The Abela Art Faire, organized by the regenerative ecovillage Traditional Dream Factory (TDF), has established itself in just three years as one of the most singular artistic gatherings in Alentejo. More than a fair, it is an experimental space where art interweaves with social innovation and environmental regeneration, in the rural heart of Portugal.
Under the motto “Where Art Connects Worlds, Communities, and Hearts,” the 2025 edition, from October 23 to 26, invites reflection on the role of art as a bridge between cultures, disciplines, and emotions. Over four days, the audience will be able to visit exhibitions of emerging and established artists, participate in workshops, attend lectures on sustainability and art, and experience performances and immersive installations that invite interaction, according to a press release.
Art as a Tool for Rural Revitalization
According to the same source, since its inception, the Abela Art Faire was born with the ambition of rethinking the relationship between art, territory, and community. The event takes place at Traditional Dream Factory, a pioneering project in rural regeneration that turns art into a shared language and a tool for social transformation. “Our objective is for art not to be merely observed, but lived and shared,” explains Luna Mangan, space manager at TDF, and she adds: “We want each edition to be a bridge between worlds and emotions, and to drive social and environmental regeneration.”
The impact of the fair transcends the cultural. Each edition attracts international artists and visitors, energizes the local economy, and strengthens creative networks that extend beyond the event. Moreover, the program incorporates sustainable practices and conscious lifestyle models, aligned with TDF’s regenerative vision.
The event also brings visibility to this region of Alentejo, its culture, traditions, and gastronomy, as well as new opportunities for local producers, artists, and craftspeople. “By promoting the meeting between artists, technologists and international creators with local talent, techniques and know-how, we want to build a place of learning, sharing, and exchange between cultures and communities in a collaborative and inclusive environment,” emphasizes Luna Mangan.
At a time when art seeks new formats and meanings, the Abela Art Faire presents itself as “a living laboratory where creativity, nature, and community come together to imagine more sustainable futures.”
The Abela Community Market is a meeting point between visitors and local production
The 2025 edition of the Abela Art Faire will host a special event: the Abela Community Market, on Saturday, October 25. This initiative brings together farmers, artisans, and local producers from Abela and across Alentejo in the Traditional Dream Factory grounds, from 11:00 to 16:00.
More than a place to shop, the market was designed as a meeting point where visitors can interact directly with producers and artisans, discover seasonal products and crafts, and experience the richness of the region. True to the fair’s spirit, the market celebrates the link between creativity, community, and regeneration, showing how local traditions and global artistic visions can coexist. There will also be music and performances.
