History
How this project came to be.
2001
The story of SerVivo, which can be translated as “being alive” or “living being”, begins in 2001 in the Azores Islands. Carlos Fairfield and Margarida Batista, a sales representative and an engineer at the time, decided to bring their ideas and visions to the world. Street performances were the start to share their vision of deepening the connection between human beings and nature.
After returning to continental Portugal, they developed artistic shows and workshops for and with children. In schools, nature and in the streets, to bring joy, consciousness and love for humans and their home – the earth. This dynamic and interactive work continued until 2016.
2016
In 2016 Carlos and Margarida rented the space now known as SerVivo, planting a seed to fulfill another dream: creating a place for exchange and community.
Countless hours of work and small and big miracles were needed to transform a former and worn down mountain bike rental into a space where people could explore human development through dance, arts, community labbing, contact with nature, therapies, and celebration. An association as a legal container was founded in the same year.
In the beginning the space was mainly used for holiday camps for kids and youth, creating a safe spaces where they could be themselves, through arts, nature, meditation, and sharing circles.
2018
The next milestone was set in 2018 when the first Arrábida Dance Gathering took place, a festival for dance and performing arts. Up to now more than 25 editions of the Gathering have taken place, making Contact Improvisation, theater, improvisation and performances vital aspects of SerVivo. Soon after, therapeutic dance events like Ecstatic Dance and 5Rhythms found their way to SerVivo and are still being regularly offered. Besides this a wide range of events found their way to SerVivo: clowning, ice bathing, Yoga, sound healing, contemporary dance, nature retreats, conscious connection, Gaga, just to name a few.
Over the years, SerVivo grew and grew and managed not just to stay in good relation with the local authorities but being trusted, appreciated and supported by a huge local and international community.
2021
More big changes came in 2021 when half of the property was bought by the newly founded Cooperative of SerVivo. This created a foundation to more safely invest in bigger improvements, like the renovation of the dance studio, irrigation systems, more toilets, better insulation, a solar warm water system and many more changes that help to make SerVivo more environmentally friendly, sustainable and welcoming.
In January 2021, SerVivo adopted Sociocracy as a tool to improve organization and communication within its structure. Following a period of reorganization and staff changes, the team became more streamlined and efficient. Since then, they have worked to bring SerVivo’s vision to life, inviting individuals to experience the space as visitor or volunteer, engage with the community, and participate in events.
Present moment
SerVivo continues to flourish as a space for authenticity, connection, and transformation. It has built stronger relationships with the local community and expanded its offerings. Visitors are now welcome to experience the space during Open Days or immerse themselves in community living through Community Experience Weeks.
Committed to sustainability, SerVivo installed solar panels in winter 2025, allowing it to generate some of its own renewable energy and reduce reliance on external power. At the same time, its permaculture garden expanded, now providing more homegrown food for the community.
SerVivo remains a space for transformation, where people come together to cultivate a culture of trust and connection.
