Hundreds of colorful umbrellas will float high above Intendencia Street between Jefferson and Palafox in downtown Pensacola beginning Nov. 3, a concept borrowed from the city of Agueda, Portugal, where thousands of colorful umbrellas are suspended over a handful of the city's narrow streets during July, August and September.
Since the project began in Agueda in 2012, the colorful structures have graced a number of cities around the world. Pensacola will be the first U.S. city to host what is known as the Umbrella Sky Project.
Lissa Dees of the Pensacola Downtown Improvement Board spearheaded the project, which is expected to last three months and is made possible by a Foo Foo Fest grant from Arts, Culture and Entertainment Inc.
The Sextafeira design team will arrive at the end of October to begin constructing the structure and creating a lively canopy of umbrellas above the street to make it appear as if they are floating in midair. "Umbrella Sky Project has been seen all over the world in cities like Paris and Lisbon," said Dees. "This will be an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits downtown Pensacola."
The installation is expected to bring thousands of people to the city. The Pensacola Downtown Improvement Board will launch a special Umbrella Sky Snapchat filter for those who want to post their #UmbrellaSkyPensacola selfies.