March 4th, 1899. A group of friends, neighbors, forms a club, and from that club emerges the Paredense Musical Society (SMUP). "Lisbon was still a distant capital," recalls the book "SMUP - Portrait of a Centenary Collective," so unity was necessary to give strength to culture, with a strong focus on music, ensuring that the people of Parede didn't fade away. The first decisive step? The "creation of a Philharmonic whose first possible form, given the shortage of volunteers and instruments, was that of a brass band." This is the spirit that will permeate March 30th, the Saturday chosen by the musical society to remind that hard work pays off.
The 125th anniversary begins at 10:00 a.m. with a walk (subject to registration) through the trails of Almoçageme, starting at Praia da Adraga (Sintra), where discussions about curses, planets, Pythagoras, and other mystical and scientific influences that have reached music will take place (also bring a backpack with snacks and drinks, as lunch is not provided by the organization). And yes, there will be a soundtrack, in this case, led by Inês Nogueira's flute from the SMUP band.
If you're not up for an early start, the doors of the society, in Parede, open at 3:00 p.m. for the celebration. The program includes "three flash pieces" by the Young Theater Company & SMUP Theater Company, a concert by the Youth Orchestra, a video installation, and a discussion. At 8:00 p.m., the terrace opens for a "big barbecue" with Mister Raposo (there will also be a vegan stand), and at 9:00 p.m., the music stage opens: it starts with a concert by the SMUP Philharmonic Band and continues, on the dance floor of the hall, with a dance guaranteed by the Duo Infinito.
Hike. Praia da Adraga. Sat, Mar 30, 10:00. Free (registration through coordenacao@smup.pt)
Celebration. SMUP - Rua Marquês de Pombal, 319, Parede. Sat, Mar 30, 3:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Free