Aver-o-Mar at Spring Fest’24
May 15, 2024 woke up grey, but the joy and excitement of the long-awaited event ahead coloured everyone’s hearts. Expectations were high.
This year, 182 3rd cycle students, 14 teachers and the school psychologist walked to Póvoa de Varzim City Park, accompanied by the PSP, for a day that was to become memorable for everyone. Spring Fest’24, organised by the Archdiocese of Braga in partnership with Póvoa de Varzim City Council, this year brought together around 10,400 students, 700 teachers and 150 volunteers. The theme was ‘the common good and the good of others – caring for our common home’.
The programme was diverse: two stages with non-stop music, resident DJs Dj Cozta, Dj Math, Kassama, RFM DJs Rich & Mendes and Domingos Moça. There were workshops, inflatables, games, climbing, yoga, kempo, krava, karaoke, capoeira, activities on the lake (paddling, canoeing, lifeguards), a Poveira T-shirt exhibition and much more.
At 12.30pm, the Mega Picnic offered the opportunity for everyone to socialise and share. Friendships were strengthened, new friends were made, new people were met and people got rid of their mobile phones.
There was no shortage of popcorn and cotton candy from Mr Duarte, which delighted many, as well as ice cream. The sweet tootsies also sampled bread with chocolate, bread with sausage and black pork sandwiches.
In the afternoon, the RFM DJs performed to great acclaim and Kassama closed the concert with a bang, with all his dynamism and joy on stage. The Archbishop of Braga, Dom José Cordeiro, spoke briefly to the young people and was impressed by the unity that was felt. Also present at the closing session was the deputy head of the Aver-O-Mar school, Helena Costa, who took to the stage to receive the souvenirs.
On the way back, with the police accompanying them, everyone was visibly tired, but their hearts were full after a day that created memories that no one will forget. Even the rain didn’t spoil a day of experiences and joy that went unnoticed by the students. It became a special day. Who doesn’t like dancing and singing in the rain?
Margarida Salazar