There will be a wide variety of Easter-themed events to enjoy in the Algarve, from concerts to fairs dedicated to Portugal’s famous Easter bread, the ‘folar’
Easter is just around the corner and the date is celebrated across Portugal with plenty of events focusing on Easter sweets, music and entertainment for the family. The Algarve is no exception and visitors enjoying an Easter break in the region can expect a long list of events catering to all tastes.
Some of the most popular events shine the spotlight on Portugal’s famous Easter sweet bread, the ‘folar’.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary is São Marcos da Serra’s ‘Feira do Folar’ (Folar Fair), taking place between April 7 and 9.
The small village north of Silves is famous for its delicious folar as well as its bread and hosts the fair every year, helping keep the Algarve’s inland traditions and customs alive.
A wide variety of exhibitors have been confirmed, selling everything from local sweets and liqueurs to many different versions of folar. The fair will be open on all three days from 11am to 8pm.
Further east, the 14th ‘Mostra do Folar de Paderne’ (Paderne Folar Show) will take place on Saturday and Sunday (April 1-2) from 3pm to 10pm at the João Campos Stadium car park in Paderne (Albufeira).
“It is an excellent opportunity for visitors to taste this typical Easter cake whilst, at the same time, learning about the culture and genuine flavours of the region,” organisers say.
In the town of Albufeira, a new Easter event, ‘Feirinha da Páscoa’ (Little Easter Fair), will be held on April 7 and 8 at Largo Jacinto D’Ayet near the Beato Vicente statue. Open from 2pm to 8pm, it will bring together craftspeople and local bakers.
Albufeira will also host a “great party for youngsters and families” on April 7 and 8. The Albufeira Sea Fest will feature concerts, “spectacular performances” by some of the best national skaters and BMX riders and a wealth of street entertainment, traditional games, workshops and environmental education activities.
Guia will host the 19th ‘Prova do Folar da Guia’ (Tasting of the Guia Folar) on April 9 at 4pm. The event is famous for its giant Folar, which will weigh over 250 kilos and will be handed out for free to visitors near the local sports pavilion.
Near the border with Spain, Alcoutim is also preparing the 16th edition of ‘Feira de Doces D’Avó’ (Grandmother’s Sweets Fair), which will be held on April 7 and 8 at the riverside. The event will be held from 2pm to 7pm, with exhibitors selling local sweets as well as the popular folar.
There are also variations of the ‘folar’ visitors must try. One of the most popular is the extra sweet Folar de Olhão. Covered in a sugary glaze, it boasts several layers of caramelised sugar and cinnamon, making it deliciously gooey inside.
You can find it at pastry shops in Olhão as well as at major supermarkets and smaller grocery stores across the Algarve, along with the more traditional version.
Meanwhile in Portimão, an Easter-themed programme has been announced, headlined by an Easter concert by the Orquestra do Algarve, led by maestro Martim Sousa Tavares, at the Tempo theatre on April 8 at 9pm. Tickets cost €10 and can be purchased online or at the Tempo ticket office (open Tuesday to Saturday from 1pm to 6pm).
There will also be a ‘Mercadinho da Páscoa’ (Little Easter Market) running from April 1 to 9 at Jardim 1º de Dezembro, the park in front of the local theatre, open from 3pm to 9pm.
The town’s Praça da República square will also come alive with entertainment, such as a karting circuit and a photo opportunities inside a giant Easter egg, which will be open from 3pm to 9pm.
For those looking for a challenge, the Vilamoura Nature Run will be held on April 8 at 10.30am.
Beginning at the award-winning Vilamoura Marina, the event will feature three routes (a 6km walk or 11km and 16km runs) and promises “stunning scenery” to enjoy.
Signing up costs between €7 and €15, with €1 from each registration going to Mulherendo – the Portuguese Support Association for Women with Endometriosis.
