Acalento — Cuddle Party in Lisboa
A practice of care and tender nurturing in a safe, sober, and non-sexual environment. Inspired by the cuddle party concept created in New York some twenty years ago.
What is Acalento?
Each session runs for approximately 3 hours and is open to every person and identity from the age of 18. We seek to fine-tune our perception of boundaries and preferences in proximity to others, while trusting the restorative potential of closeness. The actions we are looking for: to cuddle, to care for, to embrace, to nestle with, to pamper.
How the session unfolds
We start by revising our common rules, then proceed with exercises that pave the way to proximity and consent. Lastly we enter the free zone, where everyone is welcome to interact in pairs, trios or larger groups. We privilege tactile experience and use words only to express what we can and cannot consent to. The session is conducted in Portuguese with simultaneous translation into English, if needed.
The atmosphere we keep
Consent culture: ask, then wait for a verbal yes.
Non-sexual interaction.
Sober participation.
Care for yourself, others, and the space.
Open to every person and identity, 18+.
Dates
From September 2026, Acalento meets one Sunday a month, 12:00–15:00. Upcoming: 13 September, 18 October, 22 November, 13 December. Confirm and book via AND Lab, then complete the interview.
How to join
Participants are requested to undergo a brief phone interview via WhatsApp. After you send a booking request, Constança will get in touch. Location is shared with confirmed participants.
What to bring
Clean, comfortable clothing
Foam mat, blanket and pillow
Conducted by Constança Carvalho Homem
Translator, dramaturg, deviser, performer. Constança studied Modern Languages and Literatures at FLUP and completed an MA in Text and Performance Studies at King’s College London and RADA. She programmes at Queer Lisboa & Queer Porto, and has been part of the Porto cuddling movement since 2022, supervised by Andrei Pshenichnov.
Practical details
What is the contribution?
Between 10 and 15 euros, so linguistic, financial or other barriers are not the reason someone stays away.
What language is the session in?
Portuguese, with English translation if needed.