by In Trieste
We interviewed Giulia Spadaro about her love for Portugal, OláLisboa, and Luso festival taking over Trieste these days.
What is OláLisboa exactly?
Giulia: I founded OláLisboa in 2019 with the help of my former Portuguese teacher and now friend, Nancy Reis, an expat living in Trieste from Madeira island. OláLisboa is a Portuguese language center located in the heart of Trieste.
Why did you decide to open it?
I have always been passionate about Portugal. My dad was a Fado music aficionado and I would go with him to Portugal every year. Eventually in 2015 I moved there for work and stayed for four years.
What did you do in Lisbon?
Apart from studying the language, I worked for various startups in marketing. When I came back to Trieste, I built the online portal which encompasses all of my passions and skills. Our website is for everyone who wants to study Portuguese, move to Portugal or is just curious about the country and its people. Incidentally, you can also find articles written in English.
Fantastic.
I actually help people move to Portugal in general and in particular to Lisbon and Madeira island where Nancy is from.
So what’s going on this week in Trieste?
Many exciting things! This past summer in Lisbon I had the pleasure of meeting Stefano Savio, director of Festa del Cinema Italiano in Portugal who invited me to organize events connected with Portuguese cinema.
Where are the events held?
Festival del Cinema Portoghese (Festival of the Portuguese Cinema, ed.) will be held in Ariston cinema from 18-19 November.
And other events?
– 14/11 Azulejaria Workshop – decoration of Portuguese ceramics.
– 17/11 Tour of Trieste in Portuguese along with Portuguese wine tasting.
– 15-21/11 Photography exhibit “O respiro de Lisboa” which documents Lisbon’s lockdown in the summer of 2020.
What is Luso! exactly?
Luso! Is a traveling cinematographic exhibit which with its various stops in Italian cities promotes the new Portuguese cinema already known around the world thanks to Manoel De Oliveira, Paulo Rocha, and Joao Cesar Monteiro. However, there are also many up-and-coming artist present in this festival.
Which movies do you recommend everyone to see?
I suggest everyone to go see the film called “The Falling Star- Life and Music of António Variações.” It’s a tribute to the first Portuguese gay superstar who passed away in 1984. His story and his cutting edge music reminds me a lot of Freddy Mercury’s.
Is there something you think everyone should know about Portugal?
I always say that Portuguese culture is so much more than just Portugal and Brazil put together. There are many shades and nuances to be surprised by. I love to see that in my favorite city of Lisbon, and now thanks to OláLisboa also in my hometown, Trieste.
