About the Festival
Be ready to be enchanted by the dazzling world of LUMINA, a festival of light and art that offers the wonder of an immersive experience like no other. Considered as one of the best Light Festivals in Europe, Lumina invites you to explore a world of interactive light displays, 3D effects, art installations, light graffiti, and luminous sculptures that will inspire your own creativity and ignite your senses.
An ideal event for people of all ages, Lumina Light Festival captivates you with sights of hanging lanterns of various designs, art installations covered in fairy lights, and buildings transformed into a canvas of swirling, energetic dancing light displays. This festival will surely capture your heart.
Lumina Light Festival Dates (2019)
Lumina typically radiates in the town of Cascais in September, with the festival spanning several weekends. To indulge yourself with state-of-the-art light art installations and breathtaking light displays, be sure to check the festival’s official website for more details and information.
Where It’s Located and How to Get There
Lumina Light Festival takes place annually in the picturesque town of Cascais, a coastal gem located 30 km west of Lisbon, Portugal. The festival’s primary location is Parche Marechal Carmona, an iconic park in the center of Cascais.
The distance between Lisbon Airport (Aeroporto Humberto Delgado) and Cascais is approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) by road. The most common route to take is A5 motorway, which connects Lisbon to Cascais. The time it takes for a car to reach the coastal town is around 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
You can also reach Cascais from Lisbon Airport by train. From Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré Station, board the Cascais Line. Traveling by train can also be a delightful experience as the journey offers scenic coastal views for you to enjoy. Traveling time takes approximately 40 minutes.
For other alternative options, you can also take buses from the airport to the town as most bus services connect Lisbon to Cascais.
Festival Hours
Lumina Light Festival comes to life as the sun sets over Cascais, Portugal, awakening the coastal town in vibrant lights, interactive displays, and joyous activities like no other.
Cost to Visit Lumina Light Festival
The festival was entirely free, making it a perfect event for families and friends to bond over. Come and enjoy unique artworks and the fascinating symphony of technology and artistry, and immerse yourself in a wonderland of possibilities.
Weather and What to Wear
Cascais enjoys a Mediterranean climate, making it a perfect location for an outdoor light festival. During the festival dates in September, the town experiences mild temperatures that range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Evenings, however, can be cooler so wearing a light jacket or sweater is recommended for you to enjoy the Lumina Light Festival.
Where to Sleep – Hotels Nearby
Finding a place to stay in Cascais after the festival is easy. Here are some of the best accommodations in town:
Hotel Cascais Miragem Health and Spa
This luxurious hotel not only offers a breathtaking view of the sea, but also relaxing amenities such as spas and elegant rooms. They also offer free high-speed internet services and indoor play areas for children. A 30-minute ride from Lisbon International Airport, Hotel Cascais Miragem Health and Spa is an ideal place to stay after enjoying LUMINA.
Hotel Albatroz
Hotel Albatroz is a waterfront hotel that offers sea-facing rooms for guests to enjoy the rejuvenating view of the ocean. Aside from that, they also offer free high-speed internet and breakfast. Their rooms have minibars and private balconies. Other amenities include a pool and a beach. Hotel Albatroz is the perfect place to relax and have fun.
Vila Galé Cascais
Like the other two hotels, Vila Galé offers a view of the breathtaking sea. It is a modern hotel that offers a range of amenities including spa, evening entertainment, and a pool, among others. It also has free high-speed internet for you to be able to share your festival photos online. Aside from that, they have a currency exchange desk and wheelchair access.
What to Eat
Cascais is famous for its mouthwatering seafood and vibrant culinary scene. Here are a few places to try:
Mar do Inferno
A restaurant that offers a captivating view of the ocean, Mar do Inferno is ideal for seafood lovers. The restaurant offers fresh catches of the day, with dishes such as Prawns with Garlic and Olive Oil, Grilled Tiger Prawns, Portuguese Lobster, and Scallops Grilled, among others. They also serve desserts like Almond Pie and Chocolate Mousse.
Taberna de Praça
Taberna de Praça serves Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist. You can try their dishes such as the Portuguese-style Steak or the Grilled Sea Bass, as well as desserts like Fruit Salad and Pastéis de Nata, a famous custard tart.
Restaurante Furnas do Guincho
Restaurante Furnas do Guincho is one of the best seafood restaurants in Portugal. A space where you can bask in the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, Furnas do Guincho is the place to visit. They offer dishes such as Shellfish Curry, Ray Fish Cataplana, Noodles with Grouper and Shrimps, and Shellfish Paella, among others. They also serve Grilled Swordfish Steak Stone Bass and Fillet Mignon.
More Things To Do In The Area
Aside from the Lumina Light Festival, Cascais also offers other activities and attractions to try out.
Cascais Beaches
A coastal town, Cascais is known for their beautiful beaches. Enjoy the sun and the sand in places such as Praia da Conceição and Praia da Rainha, just to name a few.
Cascais Old Town
Take a stroll through the charming streets of the old town, explore shops and cafés, and visit the Citadel Palace. Visit Cascais Marina and admire the boats and yachts, or explore the Casa de Santa Maria museum to learn Portuguese history.
Boca do Inferno
Boca do Inferno is a natural wonder that offers a fun and thrilling experience for everyone. It is an ideal place to explore after immersing yourself in the light festival. At Boca do Inferno, you can enjoy the scenic view of the Atlantic ocean while taking pictures of rock formations and mesmerizing waves. You can also visit wonderful attractions nearby like the town’s picturesque beaches.
A Final Sparkle: Wrapping Up Your Unforgettable Visit to Lumina Light Festival
Lumina Light Festival invites you to indulge your senses with the spark of creativity and artistry, as well as a night to remember. Don’t miss to be a part of this dazzling celebration of artistic expression and innovation. Come and visit Cascais. With more exciting places to explore and things to do, this experience will be a once in a lifetime event.
FAQ
Are children allowed at Lumina Light Festival?
Yes, Lumina is a family-friendly event, and children are welcome as long as there is adult supervision.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is generally allowed, but it’s best to check with event staff for any specific restrictions, especially in interactive installations.
Is there seating available?
Some areas have seating, but it is recommended to bring comfortable shoes for standing and walking as you explore the festival.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are not allowed at the festival to ensure the comfort and safety of all visitors.
Is Lumina accessible for individuals with disabilities?
Lumina aims to be accessible to all visitors. Additionally, the festival grounds and installations are designed to accommodate people with disabilities. It is recommended to contact the festival organizers in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements.
Are food and beverages available at the festival?
Yes, the festival features a range of food and beverage options. However, be sure to bring some cash for purchases, as some food vendors may not accept cards.
Can I bring my own light sources such as flashlights or lanterns to the festival?
To preserve the ambiance of the festival and for safety reasons, bringing your own light source is not allowed. Lumina Light Festival is designed to provide all the illumination you need.
While this article aims to answer questions about the festival, it is best to visit the festival’s official website for up-to-date information.
Sources: https://activitiesinportugal.com/cascais-in-light/
https://www.furnasdoguincho.pt/en/
