It is still fresh in many people’s minds and has become the slogan for this year’s carnival in Loulé: the “irrevocable” decision by CDS leader Paulo Portas to step down as foreign minister but then instantly accepting a new post in government – as Deputy Prime Minister – by way of a theatrical flounce that plunged the country into an expensive political crisis.
Under the slogan ‘Unique and Irrevocable’, Loulé isn’t ready to forget this moment and is promising a carnival larded with social and political satire.
The floats are being prepared as we write, with March 1, 2 and 4 being this year’s dates for Loulé’s special carnival of “fun, colour and joy”.
Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho, opposition leader António José Seguro, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, football star Cristiano Ronaldo and other celebrities will all be high-profile, albeit in the guise of puppets – and there will be more.
Local groups and associations will be promoting samba dancing, harking back to the gyrations of carnival in Brazil.
Tickets to the parade cost €2 with 50% of the proceeds going to help local families suffering from economic difficulties.
Loulé Mayor Vítor Aleixo said the council hopes to attract as many as 100,000 people to the event even though it had reduced its spending this year by almost 15%.
