BlissFest 2025: A Glimpse into Portugal's Heart-Opening Celebration

Are you looking for an event that truly nourishes your soul, elevates your spirit, and connects you with a vibrant community? Then embark on a journey back to BlissFest 2025, an unparalleled event where mind, body, and spirit truly connected in perfect harmony.

As one of the official photographers, I had the privilege of immersing myself in, and capturing, the vibrant energy and profound moments of this unique alcohol-free wellness and personal development festival, nestled within the serene and picturesque Sesimbra Natura Park, just a stone’s throw from the historic city of Lisbon. Far more than just a festival, BlissFest is a transformative experience, a haven for conscious living, and a testament to the power of collective well-being.

Menu :

The Philosophy behind BlissFest

Activities & experiences

The venue: Sesimbra Natura Park

The Food Village

Meet the Core Team

Looking ahead to future editions

Explore the Complete Photo Album!

Let’s Connect

More Than Just an Event: The Philosophy Behind BlissFest

BlissFest 2025 - Body, Mind & Soul Festival

BlissFest stands out as more than just a festival; it’s a dedicated space for profound reconnection. The philosophy revolves around fostering inner peace, personal growth, and a deeper bond with oneself and nature. It’s a testament to conscious living, bringing together individuals seeking holistic well-being and meaningful experiences. Every activity, every session, and every shared smile reflected this core mission.

A Diverse Program for Holistic Transformation: Activities & Experiences

The program at BlissFest 2025 was incredibly rich and diverse, offering something for every facet of well-being, acknowledging the importance of balance between body, mind, and spirit for peace and happiness. From sunrise to sunset, attendees could immerse themselves in a wide array of practices led by inspiring experts.

For body-focused activities, the festival offered yoga (with instructors like Isa Guitana, Joana Pais, and Vera Franco), dynamic sessions like Ecstatic Dance, Aerial Yoga, Acro Yoga, Pilates, and intense challenges such as Calisthenics with expert Kiko Cabrita (teaching handstands and body mastery). Participants could also explore the invigorating effects of Ice Baths and unique experiences like Glasswalking. Self-defense and empowerment were addressed through M.O.V.A. (Mulher. Organização. Valorização. Autodefesa.) led by Inês Rodrigues, sharing her expertise from national karate championships.

When it came to the mind and personal growth, the program included various forms of meditation and powerful breathwork sessions by Momo, including Ecstatic Breathing and the Wim Hof Method with LOTI, often led by facilitators like Bárbara Luna (co-developer of the Injoy Method) and Kalid. Insightful talks on personal development, deep dives into astrology, and transformative systemic constellations were also key. A personal highlight for me was capturing the engaging and hilarious moments during the « Homens de uma Certa Idade » podcast live session with Raminhos, Horácio & Borges, where genuine smiles and laughter filled the air!

The soul and healing arts were celebrated through soothing sound healing sessions (including an open handpan workshop with Igor Nakaznyi from Handpan PT / Ding Handpan School Lisboa), various healing practices and rituals, and opportunities for collective creativity, such as the Mandala Bliss facilitated by Cláudia Pereira. There were also specialized workshops like Human Design (with Mamma Marzia / Marzia Carré), Sports Medicine, Self-care, Ayurvedic Massage, Permaculture, Herbalism, and Botanical Walks, connecting participants deeply with nature and ancient wisdom. A Therapy Garden and Art Market completed the holistic offerings.

The Venue: Sesimbra Natura Park in Sesimbra, Portugal

The setting for BlissFest 2025 was the magnificent Sesimbra Natura Park, a sprawling 867-hectare natural sanctuary located just a short, scenic drive from Lisbon. This vast protected area is far more than just a venue; it’s an integral part of the BlissFest experience, offering a truly immersive environment away from urban distractions, perfect for holistic well-being.

Nestled amidst lush Mediterranean flora, including diverse types of forest and serene clearings, the park provides an ideal, untouched backdrop for deep introspection and vibrant celebration. Its extensive 25 km network of well-maintained hiking and cycling trails invites exploration of its rich fauna and flora, allowing participants to discover hidden corners and observe local wildlife. Dedicated areas within the park seamlessly accommodated the various workshops and adventure activities, ensuring both intimate settings for quiet practices and expansive spaces for dynamic sessions. The pervasive natural beauty, fresh air, and peaceful ambiance of Sesimbra Natura Park significantly elevated every aspect of the BlissFest experience, fostering a profound connection between attendees and nature.

The Food Village: A Culinary Journey by Teresa Horta Colaço

Food at BlissFest 2025 took pride of place, ensuring nourishment for the body and delight for the palate. The Food Village was expertly curated by Teresa Horta Colaço, the acclaimed winner of MasterChef Portugal and a current judge on the show. She was the mind and heart behind a delicious 100% plant-based menu, designed to be nutritious, tasty, and inclusive, with vegan and gluten-free options readily available. From comfort food to healthy fast food, every dish was crafted with attention to detail and quality ingredients. Attendees could purchase a Food Pass (available as a Pack of 2 or 4 Meals, including a free snack) to skip queues and get special pricing, though separate nutritious breakfasts and snacks were also available.

The Visionaries Behind the Bliss: Meet the Core Team

BlissFest’s success is thanks to a passionate and dedicated core team:

Sofia Varatojo – Founder | Management and Organization: The visionary behind BlissFest, Sofia created this communal wellness space, leveraging her extensive event experience from Moda Lisboa and Rock in Rio Lisboa.

Daniel Andrade – Management and Production (Know Who): With expertise from Web Summit and World Youth Days, Daniel meticulously coordinates all production aspects for a seamless festival experience.

Filipa Salomão – Team Management in the Field: As Operations Coordinator, Filipa, a personal trainer and yoga teacher, manages volunteers, ensuring alignment with the festival’s holistic mission, drawing on experience from Boom Festival.

Ana Cláudia Neto – Brands and Partnerships: A pharmacist, yoga instructor, and podcast producer, Ana Cláudia skillfully builds authentic partnerships that enrich BlissFest’s values and audience.

Join the Experience: Looking Ahead to Future Editions

If BlissFest 2025 sounds like an experience you’d love to be a part of, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for future editions. It’s an opportunity to nurture your mind, body, and spirit in a truly beautiful setting. You can find more information and updates on their website: https://www.blissfest.pt/

Dive Deeper: explore the complete BlissFest 2025 photo album !

The moments captured within this article offer just a glimpse of the incredible energy and diverse experiences at BlissFest 2025. To truly immerse yourself in the festival’s magic and see the full spectrum of activities, emotions, and beautiful people, I invite you to explore my complete album of nearly 270 photographs.