Yes, life is good in Lisbon. If you’ve set foot in Lisbon, even for a fleeting moment, chances are you’ve encountered a burning question echoing across its streets:
“Who the Heck is Henry?”
Still, if you have never been to Lisbon, many stickers are painted all over the city with Yes Life Is Good. When I visited the Portuguese capital for the first time, this street art was the first thing I saw.
These slogans stretch from Bairro Alto, Principe Real, Rua Augusta, and everywhere. This made me think about where this digital nomad scene started. Well, let’s find out.
Where Did The Yes Life is Good in Lisbon Sticker Movement Start
Like many street art and sticker phenomena, the sticker movement featuring the phrase, Yes Life is Good in Lisbon, is a decentralized and grassroots cultural expression.
Unfortunately, pinpointing the exact origin of such a movement in the city can be challenging due to its organic nature. Lisbon’s vibrant street art scene and diverse cultural landscape provides a fertile ground for such movements to emerge and thrive.
Street art and sticker culture often serve as platforms for artists and individuals to express themselves, convey messages, or add a touch of creativity to public spaces.
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Local Artists Started Yes Life is Good in Lisbon
It’s plausible that local artists or enthusiasts in Lisbon initiated the spread of these particular stickers in the city. Over time, as with many street art movements, the stickers might have gained attention and popularity and spread further within Lisbon and potentially to other cities or countries.
Additionally, the appeal of the phrase “Life is Good” aligns well with the broader cultural sentiment of embracing positivity and gratitude, making it a fitting choice for a sticker movement aiming to spread a message of optimism, especially for international residents moving to the country.
In summary, while the exact origins of the “Yes, Life is Good” sticker movement in Lisbon may remain somewhat elusive, its presence and impact serve as a testament to the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of street art and cultural expressions in urban environments.
Still, why the sticker “Who the Heck is Henry?”
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Who Is Henry?
When sightseeing in this beautiful city, you can see the slogan painted on an apartment building, apartment complex, or along a chimney.
You will find the slogan Life is Good used in the city center of Bairro Alto or Principe Real as a banner advertising luxury apartments, properties, and restaurants.
But where did the digital nomads start with it, and who is Henry? Some Bairro Alto digital nomads say Henry Avery is a legendary figure in pirate lore and stands out as one of history’s most renowned buccaneers.
Known for orchestrating one of the most audacious acts of piracy, he is the sole pirate to retire unscathed, evading capture or death. After retiring, he adopted a new identity, altered his appearance, and sought solitude on a remote island.
Legendary tales recount a harrowing episode where Avery’s ship met a fiery end before reaching the island. Clinging to a solitary plank amidst the vast ocean, his survival hung by a thread.
When hope seemed lost, a colossal storm arose, generating mammoth waves. Seizing an opportunity, Avery rode one such wave, essentially pioneering surfing on a makeshift float.
Thus, the lore goes that Henry Avery was the progenitor of surfing.
How does this tale tie into the proliferation of artworks scattered across Lisbon? To be candid, the connection remains shrouded in mystery.
Yet, considering Portugal’s profound affinity for surfing, it’s tempting to speculate that this shared passion might serve as the elusive link in one of the safest countries in the world.
The enigmatic Henry leads a dynamic collective of creative souls, affectionately dubbed pirates, anchored in the heart of Lisbon. This eclectic group comprises entrepreneurs, artists, chefs, musicians, filmmakers, and many other talents.
Their motto rings clear:
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“WE ARE DO-ERS. WE TAKE ACTION WHERE YOU HESITATE.”
Henry and the collective are prolific in their endeavors. With a penchant for creativity, they are always eager to forge collaborations across disciplines.
Their portfolio boasts a spectrum of projects, ranging from what they term “uncultural” initiatives — a nod to endeavors that might be considered less mainstream or conventionally appealing.
Yet, they are not limited to the unconventional; the collective also spearheads culturally resonant projects open for debate and discussion.
There’s a tangible way to connect for those fascinated by their logos. The collective runs a shop offering prints emblazoned with the rousing query, “Who The Heck is Henry?”
Additionally, their apparel line features the same intriguing logo, allowing enthusiasts to wear their curiosity on their sleeves—or wherever they choose.
Where To Find These Life is Good Lisbon Slogans
Finding the slogans Life is Good in Lisbon and Who the Heck is Henry can be an adventurous quest, given the city’s rich tapestry of street art and cultural expressions.
While the exact locations can vary over time due to the transient nature of street art, here are some general areas and spots where you might encounter these intriguing phrases:
Bairro Alto: Known for its vibrant nightlife and artistic flair, the streets of Bairro Alto often serve as a canvas for various forms of street art, including stickers.
Alfama: The oldest district of Lisbon, Alfama’s narrow alleys and historic charm occasionally feature contemporary street art, making it a potential hotspot for these slogans.
LX Factory: A creative hub in Lisbon, LX Factory is home to art studios, cafes, and unique installations. The industrial backdrop juxtaposed with artistic endeavors makes it a plausible location for such stickers.
Rua do Norte: This street in Bairro Alto is renowned for its eclectic mix of shops, bars, and street art, making it a prime location to discover these slogans.
Praça do Comércio: As one of the largest squares in Lisbon, it’s a bustling hub with various activities. Look at street furniture, signposts, and other public surfaces.
Tram 28: This iconic tram route traverses many of Lisbon’s neighborhoods. While riding or waiting for Tram 28, observe the surroundings; you might spot these slogans on nearby walls or surfaces.
Miradouros (Viewpoints): Lisbon’s numerous miradouros offer panoramic city views. These popular tourist spots often have benches, walls, or railings where stickers and street art may be affixed.
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Wrap-Up: Yes Life is Good in Lisbon
The next time you find yourself in Lisbon, keep your senses sharp as the movement suffuses every city corner. If you’re not vigilant, you might stumble upon the answer to the burning question that has piqued everyone’s curiosity. So, pack your bags and come and explore one of the most peaceful countries.
