Skip to content

Portuguese Spring Festival 'for everybody'

Chris Craddock
BBC Jersey communities reporter
BBC Joao smiles at the camera and behind him there's a food stall with flags over it. He is wearing a pink shirt with white lines on it and has dark rimmed glasses. Joao is bald and has a grey moustache.BBC
Joao Nunes wants people from all backgrounds to enjoy traditional Portuguese food, drink and music

One of the organisers of the Portuguese Spring Festival says "everyone is welcome" and "it's not just for the Portuguese community".

Joao Nunes helps put on the event which has been going on for nearly 15 years and this year runs from 2-6 May.

Traditional food and drink is served at the event in Les Jardins de la Mer and musicians come to the island to play traditional music as well.

About 1,000 people arrive at the site each day to celebrate Portuguese culture.

People are sitting at wooden tables in a field with a stage in the background with flats behind that.
People turned out for the first day of the festival on Friday

Mr Nunes has seen the event grow in popularity since it started.

He said "last year we had to stop people coming in" because it was so busy and "it's first come, first served so people should get here early".

Mr Nunes added: "The island has got quite a few Portuguese restaurants with great food and drink and we bring them here for everyone to enjoy."

About one in 11 Jersey residents say they have Portuguese or Madeiran heritage.

Anita smiles at the camera at a food stall as she is next to some beer taps. She has a black t-shirt on which says Dino Staff and her hair is tied into a ponytail. She has clear frame glasses on as well.
Anita De Andrade said the festival helped bring people together

Anita De Andrade helps run one of the food and drink stalls at the festival.

She said "it's great fun" and "it's great to see everyone having a good time and bringing all cultures together".

Telmo smiles at the camera as he gives a thumbs up. He has a black jacket on with a blue polo t-shirt. Behind him is the music stage and the sun is shining down on the field.
Telmo Rodrigues travelled to Jersey to sing at the festival

Telmo Rodrigues is a Portuguese singer and travelled to the island to perform at the festival.

He said "it was my first time in Jersey" and "I play pop Portuguese music".

Mr Rodrigues added: "I'm very happy because people dance to my music and I enjoyed it here."

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].