Algarve Events

The Algarve has a great programme of events throughout the year and right across the region. There are fireworks and parties for New Year, carnivals at Mardi Gras and concerts throughout the summer with a variety of artists performing jazz, pop, rock and classical music.

During the summer months the "Allgarve" programme has included many open air concerts with a wide range of artists and of course the gorgeous weather is perfect for beach parties! If you would like see how much goes on in summer in the Algarve, have a look at our Algarve Summer Events page for 2009 which we will be updating for 2010 when the information is available.

Algarve sports events attract spectators and competitors from all over the world and include powerboat racing, kitesurfing, surfing, sailing, cycling, tennis and golf and, with the opening of the race track near Portimão, there are various motorsport events on the calendar. (For information on motorsports at the new Algarve Motor Park (Autódromo Internacional do Algarve) see our Portimão events page.)

The Algarve has plenty on offer for art and music lovers too with cultural events throughout the year - there are art galleries in nearly every town with constantly changing exhibitions from both international and local artists as well as concerts, theatre productions and dance shows.

There are also local festivals, fairs and markets aplenty - gastronomy festivals to sample the local delicacies; craftwork fairs demonstrating the skills of local artisans like lace-makers, ceramic artists and basket makers and then historical festivals recreating medieval times and celebrating the Voyages of the Discoveries for which the western Algarve is famous. The biggest and best known markets are Loulé (every Saturday morning) and Quarteira (every Wednesday morning).

• If you're not sure exactly when you're coming to the Algarve yet, check out the Algarve Annual Events programme so you don't miss out on something when you book your holiday!

Algarve events March and April 2010

Here are just a few of the events that are taking place in the Algarve this month You can also check out our Algarve Uncovered resort guides for specific events information. For more Algarve Events information download the March 2010 Algarve Events Guide produced by ERT Algarve – Algarve Regional Tourism Board. .

	Forthcoming events in aid of Madrugada (supporting people affected by life limiting illness) March 18th. Curry Night at Pashmina Restaurant, Lagos March 24th. Bangers and Mash Quiz at the Burgau hotel April 15th. Quiz and Carvery at The Duke of Holland, Praia da Luz May 23rd. Sponsored swim at Boavista Golf & Health Resort. (Tel: Yvonne Fisher on 917953914 for details) For more information call into their shop in Praia da Luz or Tel: Annette on 282 762 620 or Joan on 967 732 508.
	ACCA (helping children in need in the Algarve) are having their first charity bike ride on Sunday May 2nd. They are hoping to raise at least 5000€ and need your help! See the poster for full information and training advice! The ride starts from Quinta Shopping at 1.30pm and is open to everyone over the age of 16. Bikes and helmets can be hired for the day if required. email: sam@accakids.com or call her on 914665870.
	Exhibition by Hugo Canoilas in Loulé from 5th March to 4th April Venue: Galeria de Arte Convento Espirito Santo| Loulé Monday to Friday 09.00 to 17.30. Saturday & holidays from 10.00 to 14.00
	5th World Rythmic Gymnastics Cup and 24th Portimão International Tournament on 11th March A sports event with some of the biggest stars of the gymnastics world Venue: Portimão Arena
	Concert with the Orquestra do Algarve & Marta Zabaleta (Piano) in Portimão on 12th March Venue: TEMPO - Teatro Municipal de Portimão (Main Auditorium) at 21.30 Tickets: 15€ T. 282 402 475 / 961 579 917
	Piano Concert by Marta Zabaleta in Faro on 13th March Venue: Teatro das Figuras Tickets: Front stalls - 16€; Rear stalls - 12€ T. 289 888 100
	The Istanbul Oriental Ensemble in Portimão on 14th March Venue: TEMPO - Teatro Municipal de Portimão (Main Auditorium) at 21.30 Tickets: 10€ T. 282 402 475 / 961 579 917
	Humorfest - Festival de Humor in Lagoa 13th to 28th March Venue: Lagoa Municipal Auditorium Tickets: 10€
	Re/Max TT Drive from S. Bartolomeu Messines on 14th March Meeting Point: Restaurante "Os Campilhos" at 08.00 Cost: 25€ http://tt.extremosul.net T. 922 161 607 / 919 012 705
	Football: S. C. Olhanense v Belenenses in Olhão on 14th March Venue: Estádio José Arcanjo, Olhão at 15.00 T. 289 702 632 www.scolhanense.com
	Final of the Carlsberg League Cup Benfica v F.C.Porto on 20th March Venue: Algarve Stadium, Faro
	World Superbike Championships - Euromillions Round from 26th to 28th March Venue: Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portimão
	'Carmen' with the Moldavian National Opera in Lagoa on 28th March Venue: Arade Congress Centre, Parchal, Lagoa at 21.30 Tickets: Front stalls - 35€; Rear stalls - 30€ T. 282 498 577 www.pavilhao-arade.com
	Festas das Tochas Floridas (Flower Torches Festival) in São Brás de Alportel on 4th April Part of the Easter Sunday Celebrations - the "Allelujah Procession" with the beautiful "torches" of flowers leaves the Church and passes along the flower lined streets and the local residents hang their best bedspreads from the windows.
	Feast of the Sovereign Mother in Loulé on 4th April Easter Sunday is the beginning of the celebrations 'Feast of the Sovereign Mother', the patron saint of Loulé. Thousands of people come to see the procession and join in what is known as the “Festa Pequena”, the small feast. The 'Festa Grande' takes place 2 weeks later.
	7th 'Cumeada de Alta Mora' Peddy Paper on 11th April The Peddy Paper consists of a walk of about 8km during which the participants (in teams of between 4 to 6 people) take part in a range of challenges and answer various questions. As last year the number of teams will be limited to 40. You can just join in the walk if you don't want to take part in the Peddy Paper. Teams - minimum of 4, maximum of 6 Registration (by 7th April) is 10 euros each which includes a t-shirt, insurance, liquid refreshments, lunch and prizes for the first 5 teams. The meeting point is the headquarters of ARCDAA (the old primary school in Alta Mora) For more information or to register: www.arcdaa.com Tel: 96 5284657 / 281 510 778 e-mail: arcdaa@gmail.pt

Algarve Markets

Algarve markets are always popular and there are great bargains to be had. The biggest and best known are the Saturday morning gypsy market in Loulé and the Wednesday morning market in Quarteira where you can buy everything from lace to pots and pans! Most towns and villages have their own local daily markets for really fresh local produce at very good prices as well as a monthly gypsy market, so there is nearly always somewhere close by if you can't resist a bargain!

• Albufeira markets:
  - Gipsy / Flea Market - Rua da Escolas (near the municipal canteen) - 3rd Saturday of every month
  - Market (Caliços) on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month

• Alcoutim markets:
  Pereiro: In front of the church, on the 4th Sunday of every month
  Vaqueiros: (Exit to Bentos), on the 2nd Thursday of every month

• Aljezur markets:
  Near Igreja Nova (the "new" church) on the 3rd Monday of every month.

• Almancil markets:
  Near the school on the 1st and 4th Sunday of every month

• Castro Marim markets:
  At the town marketplace on the 2nd Saturday of every month

• Faro markets:
  Estói: Near the food market ("Mercado Abastecedor") on the 2nd Sunday of every month

• Lagoa markets:
  - Gipsy Market in front of Fatacil 4th Sunday of every month
  - Market in front of Fatacil 2nd Sunday every month
  - Ferragudo 2nd Sunday of month
  - Estombar Fairs and Exhibitions Park, last Saturday of every month

• Lagos:
  - Market, at the municipal stadium (Estádio Municipal) on the 1st Saturday every month
  - Cultural Centre (Rua da Mata) on the 4th Sunday of every month

• Loulé:
  - Weekly Market Rua da Nossa Senhora da Piedade every Saturday

• Monchique:
  - Gipsy / flea market, Largo dos Chorões on the 4th Sunday of every month
  - Market, Largo do Mercado (market square), on the 2nd Friday of every month

• Olhão:
  - Gipsy / Flea Market at Fuzeta (near the camping site) on the 1st Sunday of every month
  - Moncarapacho, Rua das Olarias, on the 1st Sunday every month

• Portimão:
  - Gipsy / Flea Market at the Fairs and Exhibition Park on the 1st Monday and 3rd Sunday every month

• Quarteira:
  - Weekly Market, Jardim Filipe Jonas every Wednesday

• Sagres:
  - Market, in front of the market hall on the 1st Friday of every month

• São Brás de Alportel:
  - Gipsy / Flea Market, Rua 1.º de Junho (near the school Poeta Bernardo Passos) on the 3rd Sunday of every month
  - Weekly Market, Rua Boaventura Passos every Saturday

• Silves:
  - Gipsy / Flea Market, next to the Cemetery on the 3rd Monday of every month

• Tavira:
  - Antiques / Gipsy Market, Avenida D. Manuel I (near to the new market hall) on the 1st Saturday every month
  - Market, Rua Vale Caranguejo, 3rd Saturday of every month

• Vila do Bispo:
  - Market, (in front of the market hall) on the 1st Thursday of every month
  - Barão de S. Miguel on the 1st Monday of every month

• Vila Real de Santo António:
  - Praça Marques do Pombal, 2nd Saturday of every month
  - Monte Gordo, next to Turismo, on the 4th Saturday of every month
  - Vila Nova de Cacela, near to the market on the 3rd Sunday of every month

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Algarve Annual Events

January Events

• Festival of “Chouriças” (Sausages), which is also known as the Festival of S. Luís, the patron saint of animals in Querença .
• Janeiras Festival in Silves. The tradition of the Janeiras (seasonal songs) dates back to ancient times when, at the beginning of each year, the Romans would greet each other to evoke the god Janus who represented the guardian of the gateway to heaven.

February Events

• Carnivals take place across the Algarve on Shrove Tuesday and the preceding weekend. (If Easter is late, this can be in March)
• Cycling Tour of the Algarve (Volta ao Algarve)

March Events

• Festival of Hot bread and fresh cheese (Feira do Pão Quente e Queijo Fresco) in Vaqueiros.
• EXPOMAR Fair of the Sea and Nautical Activities in Olhão
• Traditional Sausage Fair in Monchique
• Gastronomy Festival of the Serra in Tavira (March/April)

April Events

• 'Liberation Day' on April 25th is always a reason for fireworks, music and entertainment in towns across the region.
• Vila de Amêijoas (Clams Festival) in Olhão
• Vodafone Rally of Portugal - Algarve Stadium is the base for the event with superspecial stages at the beginning and close of the rally (sometimes takes place in May)
• Baja Terras d’El Rei ( off road championships) - various locations

Easter Events

• Folar Fairs across the Algarve with music and entertainment and a chance to try the traditional 'folar' cakes - Easter cakes with hard boiled eggs (complete with shells) on top!
• Flower Torches Festival in São Brás de Alportel on Easter Sunday
• Feast of The Sovereign Mother ('Festa Pequena') in Loulé - a tradition dating from the 16th century.
• Triumphal Procession on Palm Sunday (Sunday before Easter Sunday) in Tavira - This is a religious event that was started in the 18th century by the Carmelite Order of the City of Tavira. The procession consists of decorated litters with gilt woodwork and images depicting the life of Christ from the Mount of Olives to his death.

May Events

• May Day is a day for celebrations and traditionally the festivities include dancing and music as well as heading into the countryside for a picnic lunch.
• May Fair in Azinhal- A chance to see the traditional skills that are typical of the area - bobbin lace, basketwork, embroidery, tapestry and weaving of esparto grass.
• Festa da Pinha (Festival of the Pine Cone) in Estoi - a traditional festival to celebrate spring
• "The Gastronomy of the Sea" - Festival in Tavira
• Snail Festival in Castro Marim
• 'May Sweet May' Jazz Festival in Portimão
• International sand sculpture festival at Pêra from May to October

June Events

• 'Feira da Terra' (local produce market) in Aljezur on 1st Saturday of each month from June to October
• Handicrafts Fair in Alcoutim
• Cataplana Festival in Almancil
• Popular Saints Festivals across the Algarve celebrating St. Anthony, St. John and St. Peter. The warm nights are filled with the aromas of barbecues and grilled sardines as the towns and villages celebrate, often partying until the small hours!
• Portuguese Gastronomy week in Lagoa
• Caldeirada (Fish stew) Festival in Armação de Pêra
• "Pleasures of the Sea" Festival in Aljezur - gastronomy, music, entertainment
• "Festival Med" in Loulé- mediterranean music, gastronomy and handicrafts

July Events

• "Arte Doce" Competition and Fair in Lagos - a wide range of traditional sweets as an art form! Also musical entertainment in the evenings
• Loulé Handicraft Fair
• Fair of the Serra in São Brás de Alportel
• Fair of Traditional Smoked Ham in Monchique
• Allgarve Jazz Festival in towns across the Algarve
• Algarve International Motorbike meeting in Faro

August Events

• The festival of 'Our Lady of the Oracle' (the patron saint of Albufeira fishermen)
• Municipal Day in Albufeira with lots of entertainment and fireworks
• Vaqueiros Festival (near Alcoutim)
• Burgau Festival
• Barão de S. Miguel festivals
• FATACIL in Lagoa - It is the major fair of handicrafts, tourism, agriculture, business and industry in the Algarve and also includes horse shows, evening entertainment and gastronomy
• Medieval Fair in Silves
• Medieval Fair in Castro Marim
• Noites de Moura Encatada in Cacela Velha - recreating the times of the Arab occupation with a traditional Souk, music, belly dancing and traditional food.
• Sardine Festival in Portimão - live music and entertainment, plus, of course, barbecued sardines!
• Shellfish Festival in Olhão - a major event with live music every night
• 'Sounds of the Atlantic' music festival at Senhora da Rocha, Lagoa - concerts, street theatre, handicrafts and gastronomy
• Grand Champions Tennis competition at Vale do Lobo

September Events

• Fishermen's festival at Praia dos Pescadores in Albufeira including a gastronomy festival
• Festival in Alcoutim
• Festival in Martinlongo
• Grand Prix of Portugal Powerboat P1 Championship in Portimão
• Formula One Wind Surfing championship at Alvor

October Events

• Santa Iria Fair in Faro - lots of entertainment, fairground rides and stalls at this 400 year old fair.
• Festival in honour of Nossa Senhora da Alva in Aljezur
• Festival and fair in Raposeira
• AgroExpo in Vila do Bispo – A fair of economic activities, tourism, gastronomy, handicrafts and livestock farming. Another essential ingredient is evening entertainment, with plenty of music on four consecutive days
• Partridge Fair in Martim Longo
• Sweet Potato Festival in Aljezur
• Gastronomy fortnight in Almancil
• Portugal Masters in Vilamoura for the golf enthusiasts
• Annual Fair in Monchique

November Events

• St. Martin's Fair in Portimão
• Gastronomy week in Messines
• Casinos do Algarve Rally with stages in Portimão and Monchique

December Events

• Loulé Mountain Fair - The aim of this festival is to enable people to find out more about the diversity and popular culture of the parishes of the “Serra do Caldeirão”. Visitors will be able to get a close up view of handicrafts, a variety of products, gastronomy, ethnography and the traditions of the upland regions.
• Albufeira Christmas Grand Prix - a 9km run and a 3km Father Christmas Walk

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