Spirituality, community, ecology and art are the pillars of Ananda Festival Bliss, which runs from July 8 to 12 at the Carvalhal site in Ourondo, in the municipality of Covilhã, according to Francisco Dinis of the organizers, who told the Lusa News Agency.
The festival brings together national and international participants and features a program that includes “moments dedicated to sustainability and ecological regeneration, river cleanup, yoga and meditation, wellbeing practices, family activities, and social innovation”.
Musically, the highlight includes the Brazilian Gustavito, TikTek, the Portuguese duo formed by Tiago Rouxinol and André Duarte, with Electro Organic Groove, Kamala, and also DJ Estatic Dance, in addition to the Paúl Group of Dances and Singers.
All of this takes place “in an environment free of alcohol, drugs and tobacco, providing a safe and inclusive environment for people of all ages”.
In 2026, Ananda Festival Bliss “strengthens its commitment to internationalization, promoting the participation of visitors from several European countries, contributing to the international projection of Cova da Beira as a territory of culture, sustainability and community innovation”.
The increase in participants from outside the country is also due to the Erasmus projects that the Ananda Kalyani community hosts at Carvalhal.
This year’s theme is Flames of Renewal (flames of renewal), “inspired by the recovery of areas affected by the 2025 fires,” which also spread into the Castelo Branco district and the property where the community is located.
“The idea is to show that it is possible to transform adversity into ecological, communal and human regeneration,” emphasized Francisco Dinis.
The fire consumed the stretch of pine trees surrounding the property, “having preserved the houses and the trees by the river, but some reforestation has already been carried out, with native, more resistant species such as oaks or the medronheiro (strawberry tree), with reforestation actions planned during the event”.
According to the organizers, the aim is “to continue strengthening local roots and to build lasting bridges with the surrounding community”.
The good relationship with locals is highlighted on the night of the festival that is dedicated to them, and this year it features the Paúl Group of Singers.
“In every edition we have a night dedicated to the community, where these dance and singing groups or the philharmonic participate; many have already appeared at Ananda,” Francisco Dinis explained, adding that, “in terms of organization, local suppliers are also prioritized,” and that “this event also has an influence on the local economy”.
Participants in the festival have the option to stay on-site or in the camping area, at Ananda’s Guest House or in regional accommodations.
