The Portuguese Spring Festival has returned to Jersey, inviting locals and visitors of every background to experience the flavors and rhythms of Portuguese culture.
Held at Les Jardins de la Mer from 2 to 6 May, the festival has grown into a beloved tradition, drawing around 1,000 attendees daily.
Joao Nunes, one of the event organizers, shared that the festival isn’t limited to just those with Portuguese roots. It’s open to anyone who wants to enjoy the atmosphere, food, music, and hospitality. Over the years, he has watched the event flourish. Last year, the turnout was so large that the venue had to close its gates temporarily. This year, guests are encouraged to arrive early to get a spot.
The festival site is set up with rows of wooden tables, a main stage for live performances, and various stalls run by local Portuguese businesses. Restaurants from across the island bring their most loved dishes and drinks to the event, creating a festive culinary experience for all.
Among the vendors is Anita De Andrade, who helps serve food and beverages to festivalgoers. She described the event as lively and joyful, adding that it offers a great opportunity for people from all walks of life to gather and enjoy one another’s cultures.
Live music is a central part of the celebration. One of this year’s performers, Telmo Rodrigues, traveled from Portugal to share his pop-style songs with the Jersey crowd. For Telmo, it was his first visit to the island, and he was thrilled to see people dancing and enjoying his music under the sun.
With roughly one in eleven Jersey residents having Portuguese or Madeiran roots, the festival is a proud reflection of the island’s cultural diversity. But above all, it serves as a space where everyone—regardless of heritage—can come together to celebrate, eat, dance, and connect.