The region of the Algarve is well-known for being a focal point of many fiestas and festivals, much more-so than Portugal on the whole – which has a similar reputation – and those who visit Alvor will not be amiss to find themselves in the midst of some sort of Alvor festivals during their trip.
In Alvor and around, you can find pretty much anything and everything ranging from Mardi Gras to gastronomy, from music to motor racing, you’ll surely find something.
The great thing about this country and the region is that there are many regional and local festivals that are particular to some places, but there are also several country-wide celebrations that can be experienced everywhere in Portugal.
The year starts off with New Year fireworks displays that light up the length of the Algarve coastline, and there are constant parties going on on the streets, homes, bars and restaurants. In Alvor the harbor is a great spot from which one can admire a very dramatic welcome of the New Year.
Then, after only a very short respite, comes late February and early March which mean the start of Lent – forty days of fasting before the Easter celebrations. The Carnival marks the last week before Lent with colorful parades and wild parties all of which lead up to the main event known as Mardi Gras.
Alvor sees some very colorful celebrations with floats and processions filling the streets and a party atmosphere reminiscent of the Brazilian Carnival one.
Easter is a family celebration all across the country, and in Alvor the focus is on the Folar Fairs. These Alvor festivals involve music and street entertainment and if you’re here during this period don’t miss on trying the traditional ‘folar’. This is a type of Easter cake that comes with a hard-boiled egg – still in its shell – perched on top.
We’ll talk about more festival events in a future article.
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