Exploring Uber Anime in Porto, Portugal
- A to Geekz
- Jun 15, 2020
- 3 min read
Welcome to Uber Anime!
Hey everyone! We’re Eddy and Julie, also known as Princess Opponent, and today, we’re diving into the vibrant world of Uber Anime, right here in the beautiful city of Porto, Portugal. We’ll be chatting with cosplayers, engaging with fellow geeks, and giving you a sneak peek of the event floor. Stay tuned!
Meeting the Community: A Passion for Geek Culture
Paper Fox River & Portuguese Geek Culture
We had the pleasure of speaking with Christina and Builder, passionate cosplayers and bloggers who run Paper Fox River, a page you can find on Facebook and Instagram. They also contribute to a Portuguese geek blog, Café Mais Geek, covering all aspects of geek culture.
When asked how they got into anime, manga, and geek culture, they shared:
"TV shows and movies are a part of our lives and education. You grow up watching them, and they become a part of you."
As fellow geeks, we couldn’t agree more! Anime and manga are deeply ingrained in many of our lives, shaping our creativity and interests.
The Growth of Geek Culture in Portugal
Being from Canada, we were curious about how geek culture compares in Portugal. Christina and Builder explained that while Portugal is a smaller country, interest in anime and manga is growing every year, thanks to increased television programming and events like Uber Anime.
"Each year, more people are discovering new anime and manga. TV channels are starting to invest in anime, making it more accessible."
It’s exciting to see geek culture expanding worldwide!
Dragon Ball & Anime’s Early Influence in Portugal
A fun fact: My personal journey into anime started right here in Portugal! During my childhood visits, I was introduced to Dragon Ball, which was already huge in Portugal before it became mainstream in Canada and North America.
"I remember waking up super early on Saturdays to watch Dragon Ball on one of the few available channels!"
This nostalgia hit hard as we explored Uber Anime, surrounded by fellow fans who shared similar experiences.
The Rise of Cosplay in Portugal
A Growing Community
Cosplay has been around in Portugal for a while, but truly exploded with the arrival of Comic-Con Portugal. Before that, small cosplay communities existed, but Comic-Con helped bring the art form into the mainstream.
"We’ve been cosplaying since 2015, and every year, we see more newcomers trying it out."
Today, cosplay is not just a hobby—it’s a thriving community with dedicated events and competitions.
The Craftsmanship Behind Cosplay
We also spoke with Jarred and Bruno, who are newer to cosplay but are already making waves in the community. They enjoy engaging with fans by bringing props for people to interact with.
"We love getting people involved and creating an environment where everyone can have fun."
They emphasized how Portugal has a strong crafting culture, making it a perfect place for cosplay to thrive. Many cosplayers in Portugal craft their costumes and props, showcasing incredible talent.
Challenges & Acceptance of Geek Culture
While geek culture and cosplay are growing, they still face challenges, particularly with older generations who don’t fully understand the passion behind it.
"There’s a big divide between old and new cultures in Portugal. Some older generations don’t understand cosplay and view it negatively. But things are changing."
The younger generation is embracing geek culture more openly, helping to bridge the gap and push the movement forward.
Where to Find More
If you’re interested in following some of the amazing cosplayers and bloggers we met, check them out here:
Paper Fox River – Instagram & Facebook
Café Mais Geek – A Portuguese geek blog covering all things anime, manga, and more
Final Thoughts
Uber Anime in Porto is a fantastic event that showcases the passion and dedication of Portugal’s geek community. From anime and manga to cosplay and blogging, the scene is growing, and we can’t wait to see how it evolves in the coming years.
A big thank you to everyone who took the time to chat with us. Cheers, and see you at the next con!
Stay geeky, everyone!
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