The new logo, as this is the 5th edition of the festival.
Hard to believe a year has passed since we all last visited Barcelos, such a lovely northern town. The reason? Milhões de Festa. The mythical festival where it’s kinda hard not to fall in love with everything it offers. And it’s back this year! Happening next 19th to 22nd July in Barcelos by the riverside of the Cávado river. But there are some novelties to it.
For instance, say goodbye to the Lovers and Lollypops stage, that attempt at a beach party by the river Cávado, ruined by the Super Bock Super Rock 2011 sandstorm trauma of many festival-goers. And say hello to Taina stage, which might be… kind of like it. Ok, I can’t assure you it is occurring at the same place, but it has some similarities: everybody can attend its concerts – it’s free – and it will take place by the afternoon, as an alternative to the swimming pool concerts (don’t you worry, they’re back and better than ever). The main difference besides one we’ll talk later in this article is, and I suppose, the direction it will take this year. The website of the festival suggests you to bring the pick-nick towel and to sit and chill with your friends, instead of the rocking fest it took place last year. We’ll see.
As for the rest of the stages, they’re staying the same (oh, sorry, SWR Barroselas stage also dropped out, which is unfortunate, putting a stage by the other side of the river wasn’t the best option), remember them: Milhões stage and Vice stage, with concerts alternating between the two stages at the Ribeirinha zone (yeah, no overlaps); the swimming pool stage, one of the greatest (don’t judge its size), and also the two new ones, Patuscada and Red Bull City Gang.
This year there are concerts on the campers’ reception day, or day zero as people usually call it. And music coming from the streets, not the ones usually listened at the bars of Barcelos. Starting with the Red Bull City Gang.
Red Bull City Gang isn’t properly a stage, but many of ‘em. During the afternoon, when the campers are still arriving and putting up their tents, Barcelos will witness some cool bands rocking by the market and other traditional shops:
– The Glockenwise, shitless rockers and resident band (connotatively and denotatively speaking) will play at 4:30 pm by the Mercado Municipal de Barcelos, which means municipal market in Portuguese. It’s on Barreta Street;
– At 5:30 pm, it’s about time Käil brings down Casa Meira with their full-powered electronics. For those who’re wondering, Casa Meira is a hardware store, at Barjona de Freitas Street, number 19;
– An hour later, Aspen’s multifaceted stoner-doom rock will color Largo do Apoio’s esplanade with a Brazilian accent. It’s at Largo do Apoio, doh, which means Apoio’s Square, you can’t miss it;
– And ending this Red Bull City Gang, Cálculo! Because a Whitney wayfarer-glassed MC is a new standard for SWAG. Casa Lurdes already trembles, and that’s not very cool since it’s a clay handicraft store. Go check it for yourself at Fernão de Magalhães Street, number 26, 7:30 pm.
This is really what you need to know a priori, because Bolachas’ schedules will be gladly back, so keep in mind these. They’re also free concerts, if you haven’t guessed yet. And thank you a lot Google Maps.
Or you can also print this, if you’re really unmindful.
By the end of these you should feel your stomach asking for food, and maybe something else, so what to do? Taina Stage is the answer!
“Patuscada”/“taina” means something like foodspree in portuguese, it’s a big meal of the day where you kinda forgets manners and eat a lot, all with heavy drinking too, a big party all in all. For the menu, you’ll have codfish slices, pork sideburns, roasted chicken, grilled sardines… all this with bread, you choose. Even if you’re vegetarian (or someone who takes care of his/her health), tofu burgers and peppers are also on the menu.
As for the musical menu – and don’t forget to consult the incoming Bolachas schedule for the shows’ times – you’ll have Pedro Santos opening and closing the stage as a dj, as also some girl named ANA (Objection! It’s João Alves Marrucho, a male Porto based electronic producer) before his second turn. As for bands, The Glockenwise shall rock again, don’t worry, late people. The other two bands in charge of making music for the patuscada are Johnny Sem Dente, not-too-serious band but a serious rock ‘n’roll band, and the most attractive act of the day, GNOD.
I hope I’ll be drunk/whatever as hell for this one (easy, they’re good!), because their sound just asks for this. Heavy bass guitar loading just enough, with a somewhat danceable drummer beat, and the singer’s voice effects with electronics to go along, that’s the main course for dinner. If you ask me, it’s a perfect sound who allies the metal crowd with the typically hipster taste, so this should be great. InGnodWeTrust!
And that’s what’s the festival got to offer. But that’s not all Barcelos has to offer, oh no. And if you really want to know what’s to offer, well, just go to Milhões de Festa! Because everything’s better in Northern Portugal. Stay close for the analysis of the line-up in the next few days.
PS: Looks like there’s about to happen a MP3 Battle during the festival, you just bring your little shitty mp3 player, get yourself a pair and compete with others. I don’t know much about it besides this, but looks like something I would totally join. And what about some Homem Fino (something like “Draught Beer Man” in Portuguese) playing god knows where? And bands playing while the crowd’s waiting in line to pick their tickets and bracelets? Surprises, little charming surprises. That’s one of the beauties of Milhões.
PS2: The tickets will increase price by 13th July at 11:59 pm, so what are you waiting for?
▼ BSC ▼
▼ bernardo@bolachas.org