‘This is the power of gathering: it inspires us, delightfully, to be more hopeful, more joyful, more thoughtful: in a word, more alive.’
Alice Waters
We love bringing people together around a theme that inspires us. Since the beginning of our journey we have created diverse events, some happening only once and others taking places annually….
Here we are sharing memories of theses gatherings and events.
International Seminar on Fairytale and Storytelling Therapy in Sintra
For 10 years Sintra has been a host of the International Seminar on Fairytale and Storytelling Therapy, a project born from Moonluza’s founder’s passion and interest in fairytales, stories, myths, legends and their therapeutic potential. Programmes of the Seminar are shaped round the theme of fairytale and storytelling therapy offering a richness and variety of interpretations, methods, adaptations and ways of working with tales, stories and myths. The gathering in Sintra was all about sharing, workshops, presentations, conversations and of course it always included Storytelling evening and discovery of Sintra’s magic.
It has been an organic project, where one year’s participants came as presenters the next year and presenters join as participants. The very first Seminar took place in 2015 and ever since it feels like a ‘Sintran tribe’ , which gathered every Spring and always welcoms newcomers. The next ‘in person’ gathering will happen in 2027 in Southern Poland.
And the atmosphere created as much by Moonluza, Sintra as by all the presenters and participants was quite unique.
‘The Seminar was both inspiring-meeting colleagues-and also meeting people with the same interests’.
Gerdi Tuender, Dramatherapist, the Netherlands
‘A meeting in which we received the cultural wealth of countries such as Denmark, Israel, USA, Canada and Poland, a gathering of very interesting therapeutic testimonials in a truly magical environment. The exchange of experiences was very strong and I created friendships for life, which only happens when we feel safe and comfortable, in the atmosphere very successfully created by Moonluza. I loved the experience and I look forward to the next one with great joy.’
Katia Leonardo, Singer, Voice Therapist, Portugal
The conference was a fruitfull multidisciplinary event bringing together researchers and practitioners from different fields that offered new perspectives. It has the scope to become first in a series…’
Lisa Gjedde, Aalborg University, Denmark
‘The Folk Tale belongs neither to the author nor to the sponsors, but to the people. Based on this statement we were able to enjoy an innovative subject in a magical environment as Sintra always is. The workshops were quite helpful and enlightening. In a very consice and easy to follow approach, we have acknowledged the use of traditional literature as a different strategy to manage inner conflicts.’
Ana de Neves Rodrigues, Nova University of Lisbon, Portugal
‘It was an unusual conference, rich, intimate, inspiring. We have never discussed fairy-tales in such a fairy-tale like atmosphere.’
Rachel and Gabriel Zoran, University of Haifa, Israel
‘The conference was a wonderful experience on all levels – very well organized, intimate and inspiring. I am grateful for all the beautiful exchanges and new friendships. Thank you!’
Yehudit Silverman, Professor and Chair in the Creative Arts Therapies Department of Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
‘The International Seminar on Fairy-tale Therapy was beautifully situated in Sintra. It was a rewarding occasion where fairy tales and storytelling were discussed in an interdisciplinary forum in which both scholarly and therapeutic approaches were represented and inspired each other.’
Jacob Bøggild, Hans Christian Andersen Center, University of Southern Denmark
‘The therapeutic and performative power of word, its implicit capacity to move the reader/listener from an interior place to another (always upwards, as well noticed Bruno Bettelheim), depends a lot on the authenticity and symbolic adhesion of this reader/listener at the time and circumstances artificially recreated where the word of the tales is resumed. The two workshops held by Gerdi Tuender (the Netherlands) and Shai Karta Schwarz (Israel), where the stories of ‘The Princess and the Pea’ (Andersen) and respectively ‘ The Frog Prince’ (Borthers Grimm) were recounted, were, I think, unforgettable moments for the whole group.
Carla Maia de Almeida, Writer, Translator, Jornalist, Portugal
‘The Seminar was a very important occasion for the exchange of knowledge and experience on Therapeutical Storytelling. I could sparkle new ideas in the life meeting with great scholars and practitioners on this topic.’
Michał Malinowski, Custodian of Museum of Tales and stories, Poland
Thank you for another phenomenal year.’
Cristina, Portugal
‘It was a divine feeling when I got connected first with Adriana and then all the participants here. It is one of the most beautiful things which has happened to me in my entire life! Such inspiring personalities and enriching workshops. I have made lifetime friends and I plan to be here every year!’
Samvedna, India
‘Thank you for another WONDERFUL week in Sintra! It was wonderful and you really do ‘birth’ beautiful projects!’
Martina, Irlanda
‘Thank you for organizing such a beautiful seminar. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will certainly join the next time.’
Imke, Países Baixos
‘Sharing without Egos
Once upon a time, there was a special place known as the Moon Mountain. This was a special and magical place that had the enchantment to call the inspired souls.
So one day, the moon mountain called a special woman named Adriana and gave her the message that she should get together special inspired souls to create a divine mission…Bring together in a new way, what had been lost and considered old. The mission was to open the big treasures of myths, stories, and tales from all over the world and spread them to the non-inspired souls.
Ando so the mission began… In the first year, these new souls were arriving at the Moon Mountain and Adriana herself couldn´t explain to the others what this message was… She just felt it!
On the second year, the inspired souls were getting familiar with each other as new souls were arriving.
And now, they’re getting together for the third year and it seems that just like in fairy tales, a kingdom of newly inspired souls whose mission is to bring back magic, is about to be formed…
I wonder how their quest will be?…’
Nádia, Portugal
Autumn Online Conference on Fairytale and Storytelling Therapy in Sintra – via ZOOM
Since not every year everyone can join us ‘in person’ in Spring, here comes a gathering, which happens in Autumn, via ZOOM, where everyone is welcome. 3 Days of presentations, workshops, practical components and time spent together (although virtually). Another opportunity to bring together specialists, academics, therapists, storytellers and other enthusiasts of fairy-tales and storytelling, and their therapeutic and healing potential.
The next online event – On Fairytales, Stories, Creative Arts and their Therapeutic potential will happen from (20)21 till 23 of November 2025.
The International Conference on Hans Christian Andersen in Portugal
8-10 March 2017
Hans Christian Andersen in Portugal: Following the Trail of The Writer in the Light of the Romantic Travelogue as a Genre and Literary Tourism as a Phenomenon
In March 2017 the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen ‘returned” to the beautiful town of Sintra, which he fell in love with on his journeying through the Iberian Peninsula in 1866.
His reputation, his travels and the works which resulted from them, were honoured through presentations and discussions during this International Conference on Hans Christian Andersen and his excursions in the genre of the romantic travelogue, which also covered Literary Tourism, ie. following the trail of a famous writer like Andersen from a more theoretical perspective.
The idea for this conference was born in 2015, when Moonluza’s Director, Adriana Jurczyk Duarte met a delegation from the Hans christian Andersen Center at a Seminar in Portugal, and they decided to bring the memory of the Danish writer and his work back to this beautiful country in Southern Europe. The Conference gathered together Andersen scholars and aficionados from all over the world for a three-day meeting filled with wonderful presentations and unique moments, discovering Hans Christian Andersen’s trail in Portugal and other parts of Europe. It also reflected on his writings about these travels and the act of following these trails as a literary tourist. One full day was devoted to Andersen’s 1866 visit in Portugal.
Every element of this conference honored Andersen with a special focus on his journeying through Portugal. The first day included a book launch entitled ‘The Portuguese months of Andersen’ by Victor Luís Eleutério published by Glifo, as well as the premiere of the soundwalk ‘Lembro-me da beleza de Sintra’ by Hans Sydow. During the walk we were honored by the presence of H.E. the Ambassador of Denmark to Portugal, Michael Suhr.
Our participants were also very pleasantly surprised to find Andersen’s image on the label of the wine served during the Dinner, courtesy of Cortes de Cima Family Vineyards, Alentejo. This award-winning wine produced in honor of Hans Christian Andersen is made exclusively from selected Syrah grapes.
The conference had institutional support and patronage of the Municipality of Sintra, the Institute for Study and Tradition of Nova University of Lisbon, the National Centre of Culture, the Centre for Intercultural Studies, the Polytechnic University of Porto, the Embassy of Denmark to Portugal and Family Vineyards Cortes de Cima.
Presenters
Sara Cerqueira-Pascoal, Centre for Intercultural Studies, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Portugal
Clara Sarmento, Centre for Intercultural Studies, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Portugal
Victor Luís Eleutério, History Researcher, Portugal
Sandra Ribeiro, Centre for Intercultural Studies, Polytechnic Institute of Porto, Portugal
Gabriel Zoran, University of Haifa, Israel
Jacob Bøggild, The Hans Christian Andersen Centre, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
Thorsten Bøgh Thomsen, The Hans Christian Andersen Centre, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
Klaus Müller-Wille, Nordische Philologie, Universität Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
Ane Grum-Schwensen, The Hans Christian Andersen Centre, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
Jakob Stougaard-Nielsen, Scandinavian Studies, University College London, England
Anne Klara Bom, The Hans Christian Andersen Centre, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
„It is said that everyone finds in Cintra a part of his fatherland.I found Denmark here and I thought too to rediscover many dear places from other fair lands.”
Hans Christian Andersen
‘The conference was beautifully organized and everything went so smoothly. It was a joy to participate in the conference and the other parts of the programme.’
Jacob Bøggild, The Hans Christian Andersen Centre, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
‘The Hans Christian Andersen Conference in Sintra was a highly original and thoroughly enjoyable event, with engrossing papers and with smooth organisation by Adriana Jurczyk Duarte. I, for one, learned much about Andersen that I hadn’t known before, and also about Portugal in his day. And we had some remarkably fine dinners to boot!’
Karin Fernald, UK
‘We have had a wonderful time in Portugal, learned a lot in the conference and enjoyed every moment in beautiful Sintra.’
Rachel and Gabriel Zoran, University of Haifa, Israel
‘Thank you so much for a wonderful and expertly organized and chaired conference in Sintra. It was indeed a very special place to meet and talk about Andersen.’
Jakob Stougaard-Nielsen, Scandinavian Studies, University College London, England
(Virtual) Cultural Study Trips to Portugal
“Travel – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller”
Ibn Battuta
Inspired by these words, Moonluza has developed themed, cultural (both physical and virtual) visits to Portugal to learn of its culture, tradition and heritage.
(Physical) Study trips have been organised all year round, having a specially design programme or embodying cultural tours. The Hans Christian Andersen Tour in Portugal following in the footsteps of the Danish writer, is based on his diary written whilst journeying through the Iberian Peninsula in 1866. Another idea is a short hands-on workshop of Azulejo tile-painting, returning home with hand-made, personal souvenir of this unique Portuguese tradition.
Virtual trips can also be organised at any time, via ZOOM platform. This is our offer of a trip to Portugal, but without physically leaving home. This project has been inspired by the unprecedented situation which put our suitcases up to the attic for a while…
„Moonluza’s (virtual) Trail in Portugal” is an invitation for a virtual visit, following our footsteps in Portugal, a virtual meeting, sharing stories, photos, films, tales and offering a possibility of implementing some of the Portuguese dishes at your home. The offer even includes a virtual bath in the Atlantic Ocean, two recipes translated especially for you from the delicious cuisine of Dona Elisabete using some of Salvia and Bay Leaves directly from our garden in Portugal….
Here are some of the visits organised by us:
Marijampoles University of Third Age Seniors’ Visit to Portugal
Ocotber 2015
‘Trips to foreign country became a nice tradition of the University. Trips – a real-life aroma. They are discovery of world and recognition. You become as if cleaner and more close to the world you live in while travelling. We travel a lot following these words of Socrates.’
Marijampoles University of the Third Age
This time the destination was PORTUGAL!
Seniors from the Lithuanian University spent a week at the Sunny Coast of Portugal enjoying a rich and cultural programme designed to them by Moonluza in cooperation with the Portuguese Association of Universities of Third Age. This study trip gave our guests an opportunity to get to know a bit more about Portugal and its heritage, to share experiences with the fellow colleagues from Portugal, exchange ideas and to start a new sister relationship with the Portuguese Universities.
Day 1: arrival to the Lisbon airport, transport to the Hotel in Estoril, Welcome Desk;
Day 2: visit to the Municipal Museum of Almeirim, visit to the Association of the Third Age Universities of Portugal where the Protocol of Cooperation was signed, lunch with typical gastronomy of Almeirim, visit to House Museum of José Relvas, visit to Quinta Lagoalva with wine-tasting;
Day 3: HD tour Lisbon, visit to the Jerónimos Monastery, Visit at the Third Age University in Lisbon, Yoga at the beach;
Day 4: FD tour: Sunny Coast, Boca do Inferno, Cabo da Roca, Azenhas do Mar, Sintra, lunch in Sintra, visit to Quinta da Regaleira;
Day 5: Thematic walk: discovering Azulejo tiles in Cascais, walk along the sea;
Day 6: FD Tour: Fátima, lunch in Fátima, Santarém
Day 7: Train trip to Lisbon, the city of light, walk in the centre;
Day 8: Farewell, transfer to the Lisbon airport.
Seniors from the Lithuanian University decided to come back to Portugal and this time discovered with Moonluza some of the pearls of the Center of Portugal, Oporto and the magnificent Douro Valley. They spent a week in Portugal, based in Aveiro, the city of canals enjoying a rich and cultural programme. This cultural study trip gave our guests an opportunity to get to know a bit more about this part of the country, its heritage, to share experiences with the fellow colleagues from Portugal, exchange ideas and to start a new sister relationship with the Portuguese Universities.
Day 1: arrival to the Oporto airport, transport to the Hotel in Aveiro, Welcome Desk;
Day 2: visit to the Senior Academy of Aveiro, guided walk through the city, Moliceiro-boat trip, Costa Nova;
Day 3: discovery of the city of Oporto;
Day 4: Lamego, Douro Valley Cruise;
Day 5: The University of Coimbra, walk in the city, Fátima;
Day 6: Wine route in Bairrada, visit to the Underground Museum of Aliança;
Day 8: Farewell, transfer to the Oporto airport.
Norwegian University of Frogn of the Third Age’s Seniors Visit to Portugal
May 2018
‘Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer’
Unknown
This time we received in Portugal a group of Seniors from Third Age University from Norway for a cultural tour, which programme had been designed by Moonluza especially for our visitors.
The group stayed at the Sunny Coast of Portugal enjoying a rich and cultural programme including institutional contact and visits to some of the Third Age Universities in Portugal. This study trip gave our guests an opportunity to get to know a bit more about Portugal and its heritage, to share experiences with the fellow colleagues from Portugal, exchange ideas and to start a new sister relationship with the Portuguese Universities. On the programme among others visits to Almeirim, Santarém, Lisbon, Sintra, Mafra, Fátima, historic monuments, wine-tasting, traditional gastronomy and a lot, lot more…
It was a fantastic group!
Discovering Portugal with Moonluza
July/August 2017
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart.’
Confucius
This time we had the greatest pleasure to design a very individual programme of discovery of Portugal for a family trip. The participants joined us from Poland and from the Netherlands for a 10-day stay divided in two parts.
First stop was in Estoril on the Sunny Coast the sea with very easy and comfortable connections to both Lisbon and Sintra. This part of the adventure included discoveries of Cabo da Roca, Azenhas do Mar, Sintra, Praia das Maçãs, Lisbon and offered swims in the Atlantic Ocean and a very unique 18/birthday celebration of one of the family members.
During the second part of their journeying through Portugal our family stayed in a small family run house in the beautiful region of Bairrada. Our guests had chance to get to know this popular wine-growing district in Portugal, known also for its delicious gastronomy and beautiful landscapes. Our guest could taste some of the delicious local dishes home-made by lovely Elisabete and enjoy the peaceful countryside of Bairrada. The privilege location allowed them to visit Oporto, Aveiro, Costa Nova and they even traveled to Fátima, Batalha and Tomar. Of course their stay couldn’t be fully experienced without visits to the local vineyards and wine museums followed by tasting of some of the local wines.
We do hope to see them back in Portugal!
‘We still remember all the moments from Fogueira and Monte Estoril. It was a very special time, also thanks to your hospitality and kindness.’
Andrzej and Monika
Discovering Portugal’s Sunny Coast – a Family Trip
June 2016
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living. ‘
Miriam Beard
This time we had the privilege and pleasure to prepare an individual holiday programme for a lovely family from Poland. Along the line of our preparations for cultural or study trips, we devised a programme that would meet the needs and preferences of our guests, especially as this was their first adventure in Portugal.
The family stayed in Estoril on the Sunny Coast, in a hotel by the sea with very easy and comfortable connections to both Lisbon and Sintra.
Transfers from/to Lisbon airport were provided by Moonluza and on arrival they found our Welcome Kit with various maps and brochures.
The weather was very kind to us, so the family could enjoy relaxing on the beach and had their first-ever swim in the Atlantic Ocean. Their stay was filled with visits to cultural attractions and also a full-day tour with us along the Sunny Coast, to Boca do Inferno, Cabo da Roca and Praia Grande. It was with great pleasure that we showed them some of our ‘secret and magical places’ of Portugal.
Autumn Retreat
“To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.’
Lao Tzu
In the midst of Autumn, firts between the pine forests and the sea,than in beautiful Alentejo and two years later in Sintra we enjoyed a weekend of yoga, meditation, relaxation, storytelling and nature preparing ourselves for the upcoming season with the recharged energies…
We had morning yoga sessions with sunrise, tried delicious gastronomy at Quinta Casal do Frade, enjoyed long conversations and ended the days with more practice and meditation.
Besides yoga and meditation sessions, we benefited from the lovely surroundings oand some participants relaxed with a massage and Reiki session.
And as a surprise activity we had a mini workshop of Thai massage.
Luck was on our side: it was really an event of transition between a warm autumn and an early winter. We were in a pleasant place, informal and cozy atmosphere which called for mild and warm environment between the participants. And with the icing on the cake: relaxing and at the same time invigorating moments, well chosen range of different activities. Thank you, Adriana and Vânia for this memorable weekend! We are looking forward to the next one’.
Mariana Ley
‘I quite liked the experience, the programme was very well thought, with moments dedicated to the practice of yoga and some time to enjoy peace and comfort of the place. An experience to repeat and to recommend!’
Natacha Ornelas
The following year we met in the beautiful Alentejo, immersed in Nature from sunrise to sundown. Our event was hosted by Refúgio das Origens – a family place, Rosa Azevedo’s heritage, and part of a 49.42 acre estate. There are many trees over two hundred years old in the surrounding area, marking the landscape with their grandeur.
We started the days with our morning practice outside, followed by a delicious breakfast. Then we had some time to appreciate the peaceful Alentejo surroundings during our walks. We also met some of the residents of the property; donkeys Carlota and Cortiço, pigs, goats and the sweet dogs, Lady and King, who would sometimes join us for the practice.
After delicious vegetarian meals home-made by lovely Rosa, we let ourselves be enchanted by the beauty of the Alentejo evenings. Following our yoga and meditation classes we would tell real stories or made-up stories, which continued and continued….
And our Suprise Activity this time was ‘Asana Hunt’. Our participants had to find small notes hidden in the property, which along with an inspirational quotes had some yoga poses. The two winners who found and demonstrated the biggest number of asanas received delicious jams made by Rosa.
O Refúgio das Origens received our Autumn Retreat three times. We recharged energies and prepared for the upcoming season, enjoying a weekend of yoga, meditation, storytelling, relaxation and nature.
We really enjoyed it’
Sandra, Ana i Allenah
‘Discovery of myself through yoga and meditation helped me to be more at peace with myself. It was like entering a world that is hidden deep within each of us.’
Hugo
‘It was a complete weekend, in good company, with good food, good practice and in a nice, family atmosphere.’
Lisete
Portugal on Azulejo tiles