Pátio Mela provides a space to meet, celebrate, and learn through various recreational activities, embracing the unity and diversity of the Jamat, and will be open daily throughout the weeklong celebration. The word “Pátio” means courtyard or concourse in Portuguese. It is also used to describe a place of gathering or assembly. The word “Mela” means a fair or crowd in Indo-European languages. It is also used to describe a festival.
The event consisted of a parade which marched through the Parque das Nações, beginning at Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) and culminating at Portugal Pavilion. Led by the Andheri Versova Aga Khan Baug Band, the procession also included leaders of the Portugal jurisdiction Jamat and attendees from around the world. Leaders and members of the Jamat carried trays with nuts and sweets, as a symbolic offering to the Imam of the time. Mukhi Saheb of Lisbon Darkhana said: “the ceremony was beautiful because there was mutual cooperation from members of the global Jamat and because we were all connected as one big family.”
The opening ceremony was the culmination of four months of intense preparation and tireless effort from a team of more than 20 volunteers dedicated to creating a warm welcome for the Jamat from near and far. These ceremonies left the attendees excited to celebrate with their families, to meet old friends, and to make new connections. Altaf Lakhotra from Mozambique said, “We have been celebrating at the Pátio Mela and it has been wonderful. This is surely a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Later in the evening, Pátio Mela continued with a night of dancing to music mixed by international artists DJs Nickhil Kothia from India and DJ Feddy Fap from Pakistan. “It’s an opportunity and blessing for each and every individual including myself.” Said DJ Feddy Fap. “Being an artist, being an Ismaili we are blessed to be part of this grand celebration.”
The events will continue to unfold during the rest of the week at stages and spaces across the Parque das Nações. Pátio Mela will include facilities and activities for children, various dining options at restaurants, cafes, and food trucks, entertainment items, and nightly dandia raas.
