Festivals & Events in the Algarve

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Festivals & Events in the Algarve

As well as the national public holidays in Portugal each region has its own calendar of festivities: fairs (ferias) and pilgrimages (romarias). These festivals showcase traditional dances, processions, firework displays, music, markets and food and drink. Many festivals in Portugal have their origins in ancient tradition and religion, often celebrating saints' days, but also marking the end of harvests or gastronomic and sporting events.

Religious Celebrations

Festa das São Luís: Held in Querença in late January, the day of the patron saint of animals is celebrated with a smoked sausage auction (with all proceeds donated to charitable causes) and a cultural fair.

Feira de Mãe Soberana: An important religious event in the Algarve calendar, this festival of two parts is held in Loulé in mid-April. The first part of the festival, the Festa Pequenha (small festival), takes place when the 16^th century statue of the city's patron saint is brought down from Ermita do Alto do Cerro to the Church of São Francisco. A fortnight later, the Festa Grande (big festival) starts with a procession when the Sovereign Mother statue is returned to its resting place.

• For further information contact Loulé Town Council
  Tel: 289 400 600

Other Events and Festivals in the Algarve

Loulé Carnaval: One of the most renowned carnivals in Portugal including a street party and procession with floats, colourful costumes, music and dancing. The carnival is held for three days annually in late February or early March and attracts thousands of tourists to the Avenida José da Costa Mealha.

• For further information: Click here (in Portuguese)

Festival de Gastronomia Serrana: Gastronomy festival organised by Tavira town council in March and April. Numerous restaurants participate in this event, which celebrates the Barrocal and Serra gastronomic culture.

Lagos Jazz Festival: A five-day festival with jazz workshops and showcases normally held at the start of April.

Festival Internacional do Música do Algarve: The Algarve's International Music Festival is organised every year between April and June in the Teatro Municipal de Faro, Horta das Figueras. The festival includes music, song and dance performances by international talents.

Silves Beer Festival: A ten-day festival of beer held at the beginning of July in the Fábrica do Inglês.

Feira da Serra: Literally the Festival of the Mountain, this is São Brás de Alportel's three-day rural and agricultural fair at the end of July. There are regional food delicacies to taste, arts and crafts, animals on show, music and dancing.

• For more information: Click here

Olhão Seafood Festival: All types of fish are sold at this event in mid-August. There is also music and dancing.

Dias Medievais em Castro Marim: Every year in August or September, the Castro Marim people re-create daily life as it would have been in the Middle Ages. This event lasts for four days and is held in the town streets and in the 13^th century town castle.

Festival de Folclore do Algarve: The Folklore Festival of the Algarve attracts dance troupes and musicians from across Portugal for a fortnight of performances and a celebration of Portugal's folklore. Events are held in various locations across the Algarve in August or September.

Circuito Hípico Internacional do Algarve: In September, the International Horse Riding Circuit of the Algarve organises an annual competition in Vilamoura and Portimão.

Feira de Outubro: On the last Sunday of October, the centre of Monchique is covered with stalls and exhibitions. There are also numerous entertainments for visitors.