Couple Time: Our Experience at the Equinox Festival in Portugal
As the seasons shift and the days find their equilibrium, there is no better way to celebrate than through movement and community. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Equinox Festival in Portugal, an event that promised a deep dive into music, astrology, and connection.
A Countryside Escape
We arrived at the festival site at Doma in the afternoon, having dropped our girls off at their friends' for a night. While the Equinox Festival is proudly child-friendly and I know our daughters would have absolutely loved the freedom and energy, it was a rare treat to experience this as a couple.
The location was stunning—a high-end countryside accommodation that perfectly blends luxury rooms, glamping, and even a coworking space. The marketing for the event had focused heavily on a "forest" theme, so I’ll admit I arrived expecting to dance barefoot directly on the soil under the trees. Instead, the main dancing took place in a beautifully renovated barn. While it wasn't the "forest floor" experience I had envisioned, the space was gorgeous and atmospheric. One thing the organizers got exactly right was the layout; the chill-out and market areas were set a good distance from the dance floor, allowing for a tranquil, grounded vibe away from the high-energy music. And there was a fire pit which is always magical!
First Dances and Pro-Hacks
This event was particularly special for me because it was the first time my partner joined me for an ecstatic dance experience. I was very happy to see him happy at the dance floor too.
I was also thrilled to see Avi on the lineup; I had experienced her music at a previous event and knew her set would be incredible. Avi was accompanied by Meta, a stunning voice (and person) adding a very special touch to the set. As a huge fan of live percussion, the organic rhythm added a layer of depth to the electronic beats that truly moved the crowd with the Wattusi Brothers.
During the dance, I also tested out a "pro-ecstatic dance hack" shared by a fellow dancer: anti-slip socks. I used the five-finger variety, and they were a total game-changer for maintaining grip on the barn floor while keeping that "barefoot" feel. Tested and highly approved!
Activation and Reflection
Beyond the dance, we attended the Equinox Activation with Chris Corsini. It was a fascinating session where we learned about the astrology and energy shifts associated with the equinox. The energy activation Chris led was a powerful way to internalize the seasonal change and set intentions for the months ahead.
If I had one small critique, it was the presence of alcohol. I usually prefer these events to be entirely alcohol-free to maintain a specific "clean" container, so seeing alcoholic beverages served was a surprise. However, it was consumed in moderation and, fortunately, didn’t detract from the respectful, positive atmosphere of the festival. Phones were not totally prohibited, but again, used consciously.
The Verdict
The Equinox Festival in Portugal is a beautiful addition to the local conscious scene. We left feeling recharged and connected. Whether you’re a solo dancer or looking for a family-friendly festival (even if we chose a "date night" version this time!), it’s an experience worth having. We will definitely be joining for the next one!