We asked prominent artists, both international and local, some of the children we support through the Make It Better programme and members of the Hong Kong arts community to paint a pig. The international artists were all given a mother pig to paint. Others, including myself, were given a piglet.

Throughout that year, we displayed the pigs in various public locations around Hong Kong and later in the first and business class lounges of Cathay Pacific, the Hong Kong-based international airline.

Inspired by the success and acclaim of that event, we decided to repeat it in Portugal. And where better to repeat the project than the Alentejo, which is the centre of pig production in Portugal. And Estremoz is fast becoming “the San Sebastian of Portugal” being the food and restaurant capital of the Alentejo and centre of wine and agriculture - as well as being a beautiful gem of a town.

On 15 March 2025, the first Pig Parade, organised in collaboration with artist Le Funky, took place at Howards Folly winery. The event featured 29 graffiti artists, who sprayed the venue’s walls and transformed the iconic pigs into stunning works of art. The larger pigs were painted by top contemporary and graffiti artists from Portugal and Europe, while the piglets were designed by local artists and school children.

It was again a great success. The pigs were later shown in a grand parade in Estremoz city centre during the Saturday market and they caused much initial curiosity and then much excitement.

We have just done it again. Last weekend, the graffiti artists returned and painted the outside of the Howards Folly Winery and some more pigs. They will be shown in Estremoz City Centre some time over the summer and we again aim to raise as much money as possible.

All proceeds from the event will support expressive art workshops for children in Portugal, giving them the opportunity to explore their creativity and develop confidence.

The painted pigs are available for sale, with all funds going toward these important programs. Please have a look at those which remain for sale and can be seen here: https://app.smartgalas.com/thepigparade

Many of the mother pigs have a cut out which makes them suitable as garden benches, and all are protected for outside viewing. Doesn’t everybody need a pig in their garden or a piglet in their apartment?

Find out more about the Sovereign Art Foundation’s work in Portugal:

https://www.sovereignartfoundation.com/expressive-arts-programme-portugal/

Follow SAF Portugal on Instagram:

@sovereignartfoundationportugal

Sovereign Art Foundation Portugal

Tanya@sovereignartfoundation.com