Carnaval is all about having fun and the Algarve once again boasts an impressive list of festivities for this year.
From street parades and masquerades to concerts and traditional parties (bailes), there will be no shortage of things to do in the Algarve and opportunities to dress up in your favourite costume! In fact, deciding where to go and what to do is often the hardest part.
Carnaval Capital is, of course, Loulé and once again the town will be hosting one of the biggest parties in Portugal.
This year, the town’s festivities will take place between February 23 and 25. The local council is expecting around 75,000 people to see the parades and enjoy the many events that the town will be hosting during this period. And with the theme being ‘Hollywood’, expect to see many satirical representations of some of cinema’s biggest stars.
But there will be many other places to enjoy some good old-fashioned Carnaval fun.
Odiáxere in Lagos is also famous for its Carnaval celebrations, which will also be held between February 23 and 25.
On Carnaval Tuesday (February 25), Ferragudo will be hosting quite an event which will pay tribute to Portugal’s traditional Carnaval celebrations as well as those from Italy and Brazil.
There will also be a wealth of festivities taking place in Albufeira, Carvoeiro, Castro Marim, Portimão, São Brás de Alportel and Silves.
An overview of the region’s Carnaval festivities with information in English can be found in the Algarve’s February tourist guide, which can be downloaded online at www.visitalgarve.pt.
What is Carnaval?
While a major celebration in Portugal, Carnaval is celebrated all over the world, either in February or March, before the Lent season in Roman Catholic countries.
The bulk of festivities involve street parades, processions and people dressing up, although in Portugal satire has become an important part of the celebrations.
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