Loulé’s MED festival celebrated its’ 20 years anniversary in glorious fashion

By: Ben Austin

Internationally acclaimed world music festival brings together music and performances from all over the globe

The internationally acclaimed world music festival took place in the old historic town of Loulé, with different stages delighting attendees with music and performances from all over the globe.

Roberto Fonseca

The brief bit rain on the first night did little to dampen the party atmosphere. The street performers, a riot of costumes, the drums and the horns got everyone going.

Anthony B

Cuban artist Roberto Fonseca set the Latin mood on the Matriz stage as did Tabanka Djaz from Guinea-Bissau.

The reggae artist Anthony B from Jamacia wowed the audience the next night, dropping the crowd-pleasing classics by Bob Marley, such a ‘No Woman, No Cry’ as well as his own hits.

Other acts such as Throes + The Shine and Afrotronix on the Cerca stage were strong, highlighting the current appetite for Afrobeats (the Afronation festival in Portimão was also on during that weekend).

The diverse range of music and activities on offer at the MED festival was complemented by a host of food trucks, handicraft stalls, a cinema screening programme, poetry renditions and workshops.

This year there was dedicated area to Moroccan culture, which looked incredible as you walked into the courtyard space through a corridor decorated with numerous Arabian lamps. Inside the tented interior there was traditional music and dancing.

Visitors sat on leather pouf and enjoyed the delicious kebabs and authentic teas on sale there.

The MED festival, a highlight on Loulé calendar is about unity through culture, a celebration of diversity through music.

The atmosphere reflects these values, the family friendly crowd, all enjoying the international sounds and beats within the beautiful and historic setting of Loulé old town. Quite the unmissable summer Algarve experience.