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 of events includes many open air concerts with a wide range of artists, medieval festivals, gastronomy festivals, street theatre spectaculars 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 2011 Summer Events.

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 Algarve Motor Park / Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, see Portimão Events).

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 Algarve 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 February 2012

Here are just a few of the events that are taking place in the Algarve this month and next. You can also check out our Algarve Uncovered resort guides for specific events information. For more Algarve Events information download the Algarve Events Guide February 2012 produced by ERT Algarve – Algarve Regional Tourism Board.

	Cantaloupe Jazz Festival in Olhão Venue: Cantaloupe Café - 1st to 4th February at 22.00 and 18.00 on 5th Real Marina Hotel - dinner and jazz with pianist João Galante 1st to 4th February
	The Gift in concert Venue: Teatro das Figuras, Faro on 4th February at 21.30 Tickets 15€ Tel: 289 888 110
	Carnival February 2012 Venues: Quarteira - Children's parades on 17th at 10am and 2pm Quarteira - Main Carnival parades on 18th and 19th at 3pm Loulé - "Troika and the Crisis" is the satirical theme this year! Parades on 18th, 19th and 21st at 3pm. (cost 2€) Alte - 19th and 21st at 3pm Paderne (Albufeira) - 19th and 21st from 2pm Odiáxere (Lagos) - 21st Sagres - 19th at 3pm Olhão - 17th at 10am Children's Carnival Parade on Av. da Republic Moncarapacho (Olhão) - 19th and 21st at 3pm Fuseta (Olhão) - Children's parade on 17th at 10am
	19th Traditional Sausage Fair of Serra de Monchique Venue: Monchique Heli-port on 3rd and 4th February The traditional sausages of Monchique made with generations of knowledge and perfected with modern food hygiene techniques.
	Atlantic Cup 2012 Venue: Algarve Stadium, Faro to 7th February 1st: Helsingborg IF vs Dinamon Zagreb at 17.00 and FC Midtylland vs Wisla Krakow at 20.00 2nd: Odense BK vs Rapid Vienna at 20.00 4th: Helsingborg IF vs Rapid Vienna at 20.00 5th: Dinamo Zagreb vs FC Midtylland at 17.00 and Odense BK vs Wisla Krakow at 20.00 7th: Final at 17.00. 5€ per match, under 16's free.
	12th Al-Mutamid Music Festival 10th - Lagoa at Convento de Sao Jose at 21.30 11th - Lagos at the Cultural Centre at 21.30 10€ "Beth Nahrin" provide the Arabian music and are joined by a beautiful  Middle Eastern dancer
	2nd Chocolate Fair in Loulé Venue: Loulé Municipal Market from 8th to 11th of February. Cakes, chocolates, fondue and tasty hot chocolate will be the attraction of an event that promotes local products, regional and national.
	Parachuting Freefly Portugal Cup Portimão Municipal Aerodrome 11th and 12th February from 10am
	7th Almond Flower Walk in Cumeada de Alta Mora 5th February - Enjoy a walk in the countryside to see the almond trees in blossom in the Cumeada de Alta Mora passing through some local villages and along the banks of the Beliche river. Registrations up to 3rd February at arcdaa@gmail.com or  Tel:965 284 657. More information at ARCDAA
	38th Volta ao Algarve Cycle Race 15th to 19th February throughout the Algarve. 1st Stage Dunas Douradas (Loulé)-Albufeira 151 Km 2nd Stage Faro-Lagoa 187.5 Km 3rd Stage Castro Marim-Alto do Malhão 194.6 Km 4th Stage Vilamoura-Tavira 186.3 Km 5th Stage Lagoa-Portimão 25.8 Km Alberto Contador, Bradley Wiggins, Simon Gerrans, Tiago Machado and Tony Martins are amongst the cyclists taking part.
	10th Tivoli Terras do Infante Roller skating Venue: Lagos - Avenida dos Descobrimentos 18th to 20th February. The first European competition of the season with around 300 skaters from 10 countries.
	38th International Carnival Sailing Tournament Venue: Vilamoura 18th to 20th February. The regattas include Optimist, F18, Dart 18, and Laser classes, Formula Windsurf and also the Iberian Championships for Kitesurf, 420 and Snipe.
	Portugal Cup XCO Silves Venue: Arena /Ribeira do Enxerim, Silves. 25th & 26th February SC2 category Mountain Bike race on a closed circuit track . Scores count towards ranking to compete in the London Olympics
	Henry, The Infant that changed the World Permanent exhibition at the Chapel of N. Sra. de Guadalupe (Raposeira), Vila do Bispo 09.30 to 13.00 and 14.00 to 17.00 (Closed Mondays) 2€

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 on the street 'Rua da Escolas' (near the municipal canteen) on the 3rd Saturday of every month
• Market twice a month in Caliços on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month

Alcoutim markets:

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

Aljezur market:

• Monthly market near 'Igreja Nova' (the "new" church) on the 3rd Monday of every month.

Almancil market:

• Market twice a month near the school in Almancil on the 1st and 4th Sunday of every month

Castro Marim market:

• Monthly market at the town marketplace on the 2nd Saturday of every month

Faro market:

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

Lagoa markets:

• Gipsy Market in front of Fatacil in Lagoa on the 4th Sunday of every month
• Monthly market in front of Fatacil in Lagoa on the 2nd Sunday of every month
• Monthly market in Ferragudo on the 2nd Sunday of the month
• Monthly market in Estombar at the Fairs and Exhibitions Park on the last Saturday of every month

Lagos markets:

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

Loulé market:

• Weekly market on the street called 'Rua da Nossa Senhora da Piedade' every Saturday

Monchique markets:

• Gipsy / flea market in the square 'Largo dos Chorões' on the 4th Sunday of every month
• Monthly market in the market square 'Largo do Mercado' on the 2nd Friday of every month

Olhão markets:

• Gipsy / Flea market at Fuzeta (near the camping site) on the 1st Sunday of every month
• Monthly market in Moncarapacho on the street called 'Rua das Olarias' on the 1st Sunday every month

Portimão market:

• Gipsy / Flea market at the 'Fairs and Exhibition Park' in Portimão on the 1st Monday and 3rd Sunday every month

Quarteira market:

• Weekly market in 'Jardim Filipe Jonas' every Wednesday

Sagres market:

• Monthly market, in front of the market hall on the 1st Friday of every month

São Brás de Alportel markets:

• Gipsy / Flea Market on the street 'Rua 1.º de Junho' (near the school 'Poeta Bernardo Passos') on the 3rd Sunday of every month
• Weekly Market on the street 'Rua Boaventura Passos' every Saturday

Silves market:

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

Tavira markets:

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

Vila do Bispo markets:

• Monthly market (in front of the market hall in Vila do Bispo) on the 1st Thursday of every month
• Market in Barão de São Miguel on the 1st Monday of every month

Vila Real de Santo António markets:

• Monthly market in Vila Real in the square 'Praça Marques do Pombal' on the 2nd Saturday of every month
• Monthly market in Monte Gordo (next to Turismo - tourist information office) on the 4th Saturday of every month
• Monthly market in Vila Nova de Cacela, near to the market building on the 3rd Sunday of every month

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Algarve Annual Events

January Events in the Algarve

• 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 in the Algarve

• 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 in the Algarve

• 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 in the Algarve

• '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 in the Algarve

• 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 in the Algarve

• 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 in the Algarve

• '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 in the Algarve

• "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 in the Algarve

• 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 in the Algarve

• 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 in the Algarve

• 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 in the Algarve

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

December Events in the Algarve

• 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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