Sandra Menezes Toste’s Post

The Lisbon Festivities, known as "Festas de Lisboa," are a vibrant celebration held throughout June, with the peak on the night of June 12th, in honor of Santo António de Lisboa. The streets of Lisbon come alive with parades, music, dance, and traditional food. Neighborhoods compete in the "Marchas Populares" parade, Sardines are grilled everywhere, Fado music, street decorations, and cultural events also play a significant role, making it a joyful and culturally rich celebration. Convinced? If wise you are, click here you will! https://toste.world For more off-market, let us know your needs. Toste Property Consulting is a firm which provides a wide range of services, mostly related to real estate. www.toste.world contact@toste.world #realestate #cascais #brazil #Estoril #portugal #realestateinvesting #luxurylifestyle #Luxuryrealestate #realestateexpert #realestatebroker #realestateagent #luxuryrealestateagent #luxuryhomes #LuxuryHomesForSale #investmentproperty #LuxuryRealEstate #PortugalHomes #RealEstateInvestment #DreamHomes #PropertyForSale #PortugalLuxuryhomes #HomeInvestment #ExclusiveProperties #LuxuryRealEstatePortugal #InvestInPortugal #PortugalPropertyMarket

♥️ A Cultural Treasure to Experience ♥️ 🎶 What is a Zambomba? Picture this: a chilly December night, a warm fire crackling in the center, and people gathered around singing Christmas carols with the soul of flamenco. Guitars, rhythmic clapping, and the deep sound of the zambomba (a clay drum with a stick) set the atmosphere. But the true magic lies in the shared passion and connection between everyone present. There’s no stage here—just a circle where everyone can sing, clap, or simply soak in the experience. 🌟 Where Does It Come From? The Zambomba tradition was born in humble neighborhoods, where working-class communities in Jerez and Arcos de la Frontera would come together to celebrate Christmas. With limited means but abundant spirit, they’d share songs, laughter, and their love for flamenco. Over the years, this beautiful custom has been passed down, becoming a cherished part of Andalusian identity. 🎉 Why Is It Special? Unlike typical carols, these songs are performed with the depth and emotion of flamenco. Classics like "Los Campanilleros" or "Gloria Bendita" carry a powerful and heartfelt energy that makes you feel every note. It’s not just a performance—it’s a communal experience, where strangers become friends, and music becomes a shared language. 🏆 A Well-Deserved Recognition Recently declared a Cultural Heritage Asset, the Zambomba is now officially recognized as a treasure worth preserving. But for the people of Jerez and Arcos, it has always been more than that—it’s the heart of their Christmas celebrations, a moment of connection and joy that defines the season. Have you ever experienced a Zambomba? If not, you’re missing out on a slice of true Andalusian culture. Why not make this the year you join in the magic? #ZambombaTradition #FlamencoChristmas #AndalusianCulture #ExperienceSpain #SoulfulChristmas #Flamenco #HistoriaDelFlamenco #Turismo #GuiaDeTurismo #Tourism #TourGuide #España #Spain #Andalucia #Andalusia #Granada #Sevilla #Madrid #Barcelona #AgenciasDeViaje #TravelAgency #Viajes #Cultura #Tours #Viator #GetYourGuide #TravelWithLocals

Braga, often referred to as the "Rome of Portugal," is a captivating city nestled in the picturesque Minho region of northern Portugal. Steeped in history and culture, Braga boasts a rich heritage dating back over 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the country. The Roman legacy is another of the attractive factors of Braga, often called ‘Portuguese Rome’, due to its origin in the Roman city of Bracara Augusta. Braga’s long history is visible in the splendid XVIII century houses, monuments, museums, and churches, gardens, nature parks and recreational areas. Just east of the city stands the magnificent, much-visited hillside church and sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, one of Portugal's most iconic tourist attractions. Its religious festivals – particularly the elaborately staged Semana Santa (Holy Week) – are famous throughout Portugal. But it isn’t all about religion. The city is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, hosting numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the popular São João Festival in June, which fills the streets with music, dancing, and colourful decorations. For local food, codfish prepared in the Braga, Narcisa or Minho styles must be tried, as well as roast kid and Pudim Abade de Priscos (crème caramel with bacon). Nightlife, in this city of students, has some form of entertainment for everyone. Have you been to Braga? Would you like to? Please post a comment. Contact me for all your holiday / travel requirements. 😎 #travel #braga #portugal 

Globalization has facilitated unprecedented levels of interaction between cultures, leading to a dynamic blend of traditions and practices. Flamenco itself is a product of cultural fusion, having evolved from the interactions of various ethnic and cultural groups over centuries. In this blog by Where To See Flamenco we explore a fascinating example of cultural intermingling.

On this day of Holi, may your heart be as colorful as the hues of the festival. #happyholi #knoxrealtors #knoxanadvisory #holi #holiday #Holidays #holifestival #holikaholika #realestate #luxuryrealestate #newhome #homesweethome #realestateinvesting #luxuryhomes #homes #realtorlife

🎈AMAZING EVENTS: Unusual, sustainable and even “weird” events are proving a significant financial boost to East Devon town centres and tourist attractions. 🎭 A theatre company sold out 1,000 tickets for their adaption of the Greek tragedy Medea by Euripides, staged in Beer Quarry Caves. - 50% of the audience had never been to the caves, and 40% were not regular theatre goers. - Dramatist Sarah White (pictured) told members of the East Devon Tourism Network that immersive performances by her Four Swords company in derelict country houses, old offices and caves attracted new audiences. - When the company “turned Exeter Cathedral into a spaceship” involving the local Hindu community, they sold out 750 tickets for a 1-night show. Other examples: 🧀 1-day town centre food festivals with “entertainment, fun, seating and flags” give people a reason to get out and engage, said Bev Milner-Simmonds, founder of a food festival organiser which will be running its 150th festival on Saturday. - She estimates the economic impact of her work to total £60m, which is an average of £400,000 per festival. 🎷 Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival didn’t exist four years ago and is expecting around 10,000 visitors in 2025, from locally and around the country, even though it competes with the well established Sidmouth Folk Festival. - The jazz festival is winning hearts and minds by attracting corporate sponsors, national funding and big names like Gabrielle and Curtis Steiger. 🌳 Making Exmouth Festival sustainable and more environmentally friendly in 2024 got significant buy-in from traders and visitors, according to Exmouth Town Council’s Zoey Cooper. - The council measures the environmental impact of the event to calculate the equivalent level of carbon-offsetting. The networking event took place at Jurassic Discovery visitor attraction in Seaton, East Devon, and attendees listened to speakers with the “weird” sound of dinosaurs roaring in the background. #devon #eastdevon #devontourism #eastdevontourism #devonevents Jurassic Discovery Seaton Tramway East Devon Tourism Network Zoey Cooper Exmouth Town Council Ian Bowden Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival Bev Milner Simonds Ruud Jansen Venneboer

A street festival in Spain. And an operational challenge to go with it. And no, I’m not talking about La Tomatina. I’ve been pretty obsessed with designing itineraries around offbeat festivals across the world, and this is one of my favourites. Festa Major de Gràcia or Gràcia Fest is one of the oldest, most vibrant neighbourhood street festivals of Barcelona. The week-long fest is organised by the residents of the bohemian village-like Gràcia area. The quaint narrow streets & plazas here come alive with elaborate decorations, free concerts, parades, competitions, workshops and endless activities. While designing the itinerary, the location of the accommodation became a question. To be able to access the festival, day and night, for a week, the accommodation ideally needed to be within Gràcia. But the neighbourhood was too busy during the fest for a good night’s sleep. And we all know how important sleep can be during travel. So, what did I do? I figured out an accommodation on a calm street on the border of the neighbourhood to ensure easy access to the fest as well as a comfortable stay. Event-based tourism is increasing manifold but it also presents its unique challenges for travel designers, like: ▪︎ Availability of accommodation ▪︎ Location of accommodation ▪︎ Time optimisation ▪︎ Transport availability ▪︎ Event navigation Here are some pointers on how to solve for these issues: >> Be aware of your priorities to ensure successful tradeoffs. >> Book as much in advance as possible. >> While planning other sightseeing, ensure the traveller’s energy is conserved for the event. >> Don’t just rely on digital navigation. Provide a local tour guide or else, physical maps/directions & relevant contact info. >> Account for unpredictability. Take heightened measures for safety. >> Educate travellers on how to stay respectful to local traditions while participating in the event. Such lesser-known festivals are a great way for travellers to immerse themselves in local culture. If done in a responsible & mindful manner, such travel can also meaningfully contribute to furthering the destination’s economy and culture. Have you participated in any festival during your travels? Did you face any challenges in the process? How was your experience? #experientialtravel #sustainabletourism #eventtourism #travelindustry

🎶 Calling All Music Lovers: Invest in Your Dream Family Estate in Barbados! 🎶 Imagine living in a tropical paradise where the rhythm of life is set to the soothing sounds of the Caribbean. Barbados, a haven for music lovers, offers the perfect backdrop for creating magical family memories in a luxurious estate. 🌴 Why Invest in Barbados? Cultural Richness: Immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene, from calypso and reggae to jazz and soca. Barbados' lively festivals and musical events will make every day feel like a celebration. Prime Location: Enjoy stunning ocean views, pristine beaches, and a tropical climate that make Barbados the ultimate destination for luxury living. High Return on Investment: With a thriving real estate market and increasing property values, investing in Barbados is a smart financial decision. Exclusive Amenities: Live in style with private pools, rooftop terraces, and lush landscaped gardens that provide the perfect setting for family gatherings. Authentic Investments: Secure a family estate that offers both luxury and cultural authenticity, creating a timeless legacy for generations to come. 👉 Discover Your Dream Family Home with Savalani Real Estate: Contact us today to explore our exclusive listings and find the perfect property that suits your taste and lifestyle. Let’s turn your dream into a reality! 🎵 Create your own Caribbean symphony in a dream home away from home. 🎵 #Barbados #MusicLovers #PropertyInvestment #RealEstate #LuxuryLiving #SavalaniRealEstate #EstatePlanning #DreamHome #Caribbean

#Henna is especially popular at weddings, where it is an essential part of the celebration. Special events called "Mehndi" are held for applying henna to brides and other women. Special cones or bags are used for precise application, allowing for intricate detailing. This art form requires skill and practice to achieve complex designs. Styles vary by region; for example, Moroccan, Indian, and Eastern henna designs each have unique elements. Each culture incorporates symbols and shapes that reflect its heritage and identity. Henna designs typically last from one to three weeks, depending on the type of henna used and how well they are cared for. applying henna to brides and other women. Special cones or bags are used for precise application, allowing for intricate detailing. This art form requires skill and practice to achieve complex designs. Styles vary by region; for example, Moroccan, Indian, and Eastern henna designs each have unique elements. Each culture incorporates symbols and shapes that reflect its heritage and identity. Henna designs typically last from one to three weeks, depending on the type of henna used and how well they are cared for #Morocco #travel #group #tourisme 🇲🇦💯💯

The Caribbean holds a special allure for travelers worldwide, drawing them in with its enchanting scenery, laid-back ambiance, and delightful climate. From the pristine beaches of Barbados to the lush rainforests of Dominica, each island boasts its own unique charm, making it a perennial favorite among tourists. But what truly sets the Caribbean apart is its people. Warm, welcoming, and brimming with hospitality, Caribbean locals embody the essence of island living. Their vibrant culture, steeped in a rich tapestry of African, European, and indigenous influences, infuses every aspect of life, from the colorful architecture to the spicy cuisine. Creativity thrives in the Caribbean, evident in the rhythmic beats of reggae music, the intricate craftsmanship of local artisans, and the vibrant festivals that pulsate with energy and excitement. From Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival, Trinidad's world-renowned Carnival to Jamaica's electrifying Reggae Sumfest, these celebrations showcase the region's exuberant spirit and zest for life. But amidst the revelry, there's a deep reverence for the environment and a strong sense of community. Islanders understand the delicate balance between preserving their natural resources and fostering sustainable development. From eco-friendly resorts to initiatives aimed at protecting coral reefs and wildlife, the Caribbean is leading the way in responsible tourism. Ultimately, the Caribbean's true wealth lies not only in its breathtaking landscapes but in its people—their resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to preserving their paradise for generations to come. As the region continues to evolve and grow, it remains rooted in its heritage, with a focus on nurturing both its environment and its people as the cornerstone of its progress and prosperity. #TourismOverload #CulturalAppropriation #EnvironmentalDegradation #Overtourism #Gentrification #ExploitativeIndustries #CulturalCommodification #LossOfAuthenticity #SocioeconomicInequality #EcologicalFootprint #Dominica #WelcometoParadise #NatureIslandoftheCaribbean #WorldCreoleMusicFestival #JazznCreole #CuisineArt