International Sand Sculpture Festival
Described as the largest sand sculpture event in the world, the International Sand Sculpture Festival or Festival Internacional de Escultura em Areia (FIESA) has been held in Pêra, Algarve, Portugal annually since 2003. The site at 37.1289°N 8.3310°W﻿ / 37.1289; -8.3310 occupies 15,000 square metres (3.7 acres). Each year about 60 artists use 35000 tons of sand to create 50 works of art. The exhibition is also open in the evenings with atmospheric lighting. Each year the exhibition has a different theme: 2014: Music II 2013: Music 2012: Idols 2011: Animal Kingdom 2010: Living World 2009: Discoveries 2008: Hollywood Films and Characters 2007: Wonders of the World 2006: Mythology 2005: Lost Worlds 2004: Tales of Enchantment Sand festival