Mesa Silvestre

Mesa Silvestre is a cultural association based in Monsanto, in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova, Castelo Branco, Portugal. It is a space for cultural experimentation and community participation in a rural setting, bringing people together to create, share knowledge and help shape the place where they live. Its activities take place mainly at Casa Silvestre and the outdoor Patamar da Nora. The programme includes live music, open-air cinema, creative workshops, yoga, capoeira and community gatherings. The Teens Club welcomes young people aged 12 to 17 to explore ideas and develop creative projects together, with time to talk and share a healthy snack. Film screenings offer a starting point for conversations about community life and the future of rural places. Previous screenings include Aldeias do Futuro, about the RE.RURAL movement, and Regar o Alto da Eira, which follows the transformation of an unused plot in Lisbon into a community garden. These gatherings bring different generations together around stories, food and shared experiences. Mesa Silvestre welcomes both long-standing residents and newcomers, valuing the skills, experiences and ideas each person brings. Some activities are free and open to everyone, while others require registration or a participation fee. Details are shared through the association’s website, WhatsApp group, Instagram and Facebook. At its heart is a simple belief: a house, a garden, a terrace or a village square comes alive through the people who use it, care for it and create things together.