The Parque de Lazer de Gondifelos in Famalicão hosts the second edition of Rockalhau Fest on September 10 and 11. The Associação Cultural de Gondifelos, responsible for the organization, anticipates significant growth compared to the first edition, which attracted around 200 people, hoping to reach 500 visitors this year. The event features more than a dozen emerging artists, covering various facets of rock, from stoner and psy to sludge and thrash.
João Carvalho, representative of the organizing association, says the intention is to create a cultural movement and spark interest in rock among younger generations. The organizer highlights three names in the lineup: MadMess (from Porto), Jesus the Snake (from Vizela), described as Portugal's Pink Floyd, and the Braga-based Capela Mortuária, known for their heavier sound.
The choice of the Parque de Lazer de Gondifelos is linked to the memory of the former Festival do Este, held in that same space about two decades ago. The young team at the association decided to revive the tradition of promoting concerts at the venue, taking advantage of the natural and cultural potential of the space. The event includes free camping with support facilities, such as shaded areas and hot water.
Beyond the musical aspect, Rockalhau Fest seeks to involve the Famalicão community and bring together people who are not the usual target audience for this music genre. João Carvalho recalls that, in the first edition, young football players from the Gondifelos club helped with dismantling the venue and, despite never having heard rock music, they loved the experience.
