Álvaro Bila: Afro Nation returns to Portimão in the next five years

Praia da Rocha hosts Afro Nation for the fifth time, which ends this Friday, the 11th, and brings to the Algarve names such as North American singers Mary J. Blige, Nigerians Burna Boy and Tems, Frenchman Booba and American-Nigerian Davido.

Following the success of the last five editions, five more will follow thanks to the synergy between the organization and Portimão City Council , which results in an agreement until 2030 and provides for the festival organization's support for the municipal end-of-year program, with an annual contribution of around 70 thousand euros.

The significant contribution of the internationally renowned event to the projection of the municipality and the region, as well as the "very significant direct and expressive economic impact on the local and regional economy," were the basis for this decision, explains Mayor Álvaro Bila, interviewed by Barlavento.

The mayor gives a "highly positive" assessment of the festival's impact, attracting tourists with "high purchasing power," which is reflected in sectors such as hotels, restaurants, commerce, car rental, and tourist entertainment.

In addition to revitalizing Praia da Rocha at the beginning of summer and reinforcing Portimão's position as a destination for top events, Afro Nation boasts annual global promotion that would not be possible with public funds, notes Álvaro Bila.

Festival-goers from all over the world come together to participate in what bills itself as the "world's largest Afrobeats festival," showcasing the region's hospitality, cuisine, nature, and authenticity.

"Portimão offers a unique experience. Visitors will find a vibrant, welcoming city with a diverse offering, which enriches the festival experience," he emphasizes.

Despite the last-minute absence of American singer and rapper Chris Brown, the excitement and enthusiasm remained undimmed. The city is once again filled with color, brightness, and smiles to celebrate African music and culture, with over 30 artists from genres such as Afrobeats, Amapiano, Hip Hop, and R&B.

The first edition, held in 2019, attracted over 25,000 people, mostly from the United Kingdom. In 2020 and 2021, the festival was canceled due to restrictions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022, 2023, and last year, approximately 40,000 participants were registered.

The high number of festival-goers exhausts hotel capacity in much of the Barlavento and even the Eastern Algarve, which requires collaboration between local authorities in the region and leads to a sharing of the positive impacts of the event.

To ensure these days are lived with quality and safety, planning is also carried out between the municipality, security forces, health services, civil protection, and logistics operators.