Portugal to reopen nightclubs this Friday
- PublishedThu, Sep 30, 2021, 13:00
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- Only those who can present the EU digital vaccination certificate or proof of recovery will be allowed to enter.
- On Friday, October 1st, Portugal will reopen its nightlife. For the first time since March 2020, nightclubs can operate at full capacity and with dancing, though only vaccinated guests and those with proof of recovery from Covid-19 can enter. Prime minister António Costa announced the plan on July 29th and confirmed it last Thursday, September 23rd. The news comes as double-vaccination rates hit 85 percent. The government's official communication states that masks will still be required in "show and event rooms," but it's not yet completely clear where the line between clubs and shows is drawn. Steven Mackay, who runs Arroz Estúdios in Lisbon, says "the regulations have never been very clear here and unfortunately it's the same this time. More and more places are taking matters into their own hands. There's been some high-profile places having packed dance floors for a while now so it's becoming normal." Lux Fragil, a super club whose story dates back over 30 years, will celebrate this weekend with their residents, including Yen Sung, Rui Vargas, Ze Pedro Moura and Dexter. Vargas, who is also the club's booker, told RA that masks will not be required. "During the past year and a half, we've never stopped being a disco; but we've been a disco trying to be something else," Lux wrote via Instagram. "It is well known that such strategies never truly achieve satisfactory results." The club has been hosting seated concerts within the restricted hours, as well as events on their open-air terrace. The statement continued: "We excel at the art of taking debauchery serious and regard dancing as a vital function. That's what we will be doing again on Friday." It's a different story for Gare in Porto. The club's booker, Filipe Rodrigues, told RA that they "will restart very slowly," with the first event currently scheduled for October 29th. When Gare reopens, it will also prioritise residents, the club's "blood," as well as local acts. The venue also plans to complete renovations, including a new lighting rig, before the reopening. Also opening this weekend is Porto's Perola Negra, which kicks off with regulars Rompante and Elite Athlete. 5A CLUB in Lisbon returns to its regular hours on Friday, with Solid Funk playing the first party. Next Wednesday, a five-day festival called Moga Caparica invites the likes of CC:DISCO, Agoria, DJ Tennis and Matthew Dekay to the coast. Arroz Estudios' first full night back will be next weekend, with sets from Violet and Photonz.
- Wed, Oct 6, 2021
Moga Caparica
Agoria, Behrouz, Birds of Mind, CC:DISCO!, Daox, DJ Tennis, DJ Vibe, Eagles & Butterflies, Gescu, Louise Chen, Maher Daniel, Matthew Dekay, Meibi, Miroslav, Moullinex, Mr ID, Pablo Valentino, Paul Cut, Tom of England, Sheri Vari, Xinobi, Yen Sung