Nestled in the enchanting landscape of Portugal, Moonluza was born out of deep love of stories, languages and the shared human need to connect. Its name reflects its spirit: ‘Moon’ from the magical hills of Sintra, and ‘luza’ a poetic nod to Portugal, written with a ‘z’ in homage to the founder’s Polish roots – where forests whisper old tales and rivers carry echoes of tradition.
At its heart, Moonluza is a world of words. It’s a space where stories, fairytales, art therapy and language come together to inspire and heal. Its flagship event – a unique international gathering devoted to fairytales, stories, expressive arts and their therapeutic potential – takes places in spring (for 10 years in Sintra, Portugal) and continues online each autumn, bringing together kindred spirits from around the globe. Artists, therapists, writers, educators, teachers and dreamers unite in a celebration of imagination, education, tradition and shared experience.
Beyond events Moonluza offers one-of-a-kind Portuguese language courses (mostly for Polish speakers), where students learn not just the language, but also the soul of the culture – often though stories and narrative. We also provide expert translation and interpretation services (PT-PL/PL-PT EN/PT), helping bridge linguistic and cultural divides.
But more than anything: Moonluza has a mission:
- To create a space of sharing, kindness and understanding;
- To connect people across the borders and backgrounds;
- To preserve and honor cultural traditions through storytelling;
- And to remind us all that through words – spoken, written or imagined – we find each other….
INTERVIEW WITH ADRIANA JURCZYK DUARTE
What is Moonluza? What it means to you, to us?
“As soon as I think of Moonluza, I remember the inspiring people I met, the healing stories which were shared and the smell of nature during our walks with the amazing views of beautiful Sintra. I feel this all as a vibrant and positive memory, as a treasure, deep inside me together with a warm wish to return and absorb more magical Moonluza moments.” Marlien, Portugal/the Netherlands
“Moonluza is a place where you can let go and rediscover forgotten sides of yourself. It is magical, inspiring, full of engaging people and ideas. With the stunning backdrop of Sintra Moonluza feels like a fairy tale brought to life.” Emma, France
‘Moonluza means for me to be part of the magic that happen when You meet and all our stories come to life.. Moonluza for me is to be part of a big international storytelling family.’ Mia-Maria, Sweden
“É um retiro, uma experiência imersiva de trabalho e de férias ao mesmo tempo, em que aprendo e ganho conhecimentos, mas também em que descanso, relaxo, entro em contacto com partes de mim profundas e bonitas ou com tensão que precisa de ser libertada, além de me sentir livre, espontânea e conectada com os outros participantes de vários países e culturas, podendo todos expressarmo-nos em plenitude. Tudo embrenhada na magia aleatória e misteriosa de Sintra, um dos meus locais preferidos!” Catarina, Portugal
“Moonluza introduces a new opportunity for connection with a community of Story lovers and practitioners in a “Fairytale environment.” The events we experienced as a group also led to a personal Hero’s Journey and put into perspective our identity in relation to time and space. Thank you for the cultural exchange and the enriching experience with Story!” Paulo Brazil/Finland
“Meeting colleagues and friends worldwide, receiving, giving and sharing knowledge and insights. Finding magic movements in the everyday life.“ Pia, Norway
‘In Moonluza’s events I have found that magical balance that is all too often absent from more formal conferences: soulful intelligence, active listening and generous sharing in a space of participation and reciprocity.’ Daniela, Portugal/Japan
‘Moonluza is a source of inspiration and magic for me which really connected me with my own inner essence.’ Imke, the Netherlands
‘I do not know or remember how Moonluza drifted into the electrical workings of my computer. It is an absolute mystery to me. But I do know that I registered for the workshop – Storytelling in Therapy – quite spontaneously and without any second thought, as if it was meant to be. And it was. In Sintra I found another family. One that shared my love of knowledge, exploration, and discovery. A group of people that were authentic, kind, and open. And holding this all together like a mother hen, was Adriana, the genius and spirit behind this all. Adriana is Moonluza – a deep unbridled passion of things that are meaningful, magical, and magnificent.’ Lisa, Canada
“Moonluza offers a magical opportunity to dive deep into the land of stories and walk in the shoes of the characters with like-minded people in a beautiful fairy tale setting” Jennifer, Spain/Scotland
‘Um espaço (um portal fantástico) de co-criação onde a liberdade & o respeito são parte integrante da crescente consciência de interconectividade entre os participantes e a Natureza circundante.’ Mónica, Portugal
“Moonluza means food for my soul” Linde, the Netherlands
OOUR CONTACTS:
Tel: 00351.969.792.262
Email:
General: info@moonluza.pt
Translations & Portuguese Courses: learning@moonluza.pt
Moonluza’s Conferences: conferences@moonluza.pt