IT SEEMS that Portimão is definitely the place to be this summer. There is a huge variety of shows and activities planned to take place in the borough, including several sporting and cultural events.
Praia da Rocha’s renovated beachfront will be the setting for three major sports events: Sand ‘N’ Snow – Big Air – Snowboarding World Cup (July 29), Beach Football World Cup Finals (August 15 to 20) and the Beach Tennis Portuguese Open (August 25 and 26).
If photography is your thing, why not visit the Salão Internacional de Arte Fotográfica do Algarve, beginning on August 29 and continuing until September 15 and, until the end of this month, Portimão’s Zona Ribeirinha is hosting two photography exhibitions: World Press Photo and Prémio Fotojornalism Visão/BES. Still on a photographic theme, from August 5 to 27, at the same location, there will be an exhibition featuring the best photographs from the Corrida Fotográfica, an amateur photography competition, which is held in Portimão every year.
Portimão’s waterfront area will also provide the stage for a world record-breaking attempt for cooking the largest Arjamolho soup (typical Portuguese cold soup) in the world, served to the most number of people in one sitting (August 3)! If you are still in the eating mood, why not enjoy the borough’s famous Sardine Festival from August 4 to 13?
The Portimão waterfront will also host an exhibition from the Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestre (school for equestrian art) on August 2.
But, do not worry, as Alvor, Mexilhoeira Grande and Figueira have not been left out of the festivities either. There will be jazz nights taking place at the Zona Ribeirinha de Alvor (waterfront area) tonight (July 28) and tomorrow evening. But, if it’s action you are looking for, Alvor’s waterfront area will also provide the setting for slot racing and a remote control car circuit on August 5 and 6. The fun does not stop there though, as on August 12 there will be a circus show entitled Lua Cheia (Full Moon) from Costum Circus.
Mexilhoeira Grande will host Mostra de Artes e Sabores da Nossa Terra (art and flavours from our village), a craft and gastronomy fair, from August 19 to 20. September sees another edition of the popular Festival do Berbigão (cockle festival) taking place in the village of Figueira from September 9 to 10.
Finishing off the summer season, the borough of Portimão is set to host the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup (September 8 to 10), Fashion Algarve (September 16) and an international show jumping event at the Centro Hípico de Belmonte (September 21 to 24).
Major shows come to Portimão this summer
Portimão Câmara has developed a special entertainment programme for the holiday season, featuring productions of such well-known shows as Fame, Spirit of the Dance and Madame Butterfly, to name just a few.
Following the successful television series and film, there is now Fame The Musical. The show is now on at Portimão’s municipal auditorium, continuing until August 3, and promises two hours of pure entertainment. The production features 10 actors and 10 dancers, who will be performing all the famous Fame songs (acting dialogue is in Portuguese, with songs in English). Tickets cost 20 euros each and can be bought from Fnac (Algarve Shopping in Guia), by calling 918 209 612 or in person from the venue between 4pm and 10pm. Reservations can also be made by calling 282 418 547.
August 15 sees a performance of Spirit of the Dance by the Irish International Dance Company, at Zona Ribeirinha de Portimão (by the waterfront). This Irish dance spectacular features dozens of dancers, is one of the largest dance productions of all time, and is always a sell-out wherever it is performed. Tickets cost 12.50 euros each.
Opera also features in the programme this summer, with productions of Don Giovanni and Madame Butterfly being staged at the municipal auditorium. On August 17, the Orquestra do Norte will perform Mozart’s Don Giovanni, based on the adventures and misadventures of legendary seducer, Don Juan. Tickets are priced at 15 euros each. Then, on August 18 and 19, it is the turn of the Companhia Lírica Siglo XXI, which will be performing Puccini’s Madame Butterfly, based on the heart-wrenching story of a beautiful young geisha who sacrifices her family, her religion and, ultimately, her life for her American husband. Tickets for this show are priced at 10 euros each.
On August 26, it is time for a taste of tango! A passionate, energetic display of Argentinian Tango is promised at Portimão’s municipal auditorium, with the dancers acting out intense stories of love and jealousy. Tickets are priced at 15 euros each.
Finally, the programme concludes with As Antologias de Zarzuela, due to be performed on September 2 and 3, again at Portimão’s municipal auditorium. Extremely popular in Spain, from where it originates, this show combines music, dance, drama and lots of colour (dialogue in Portuguese/Spanish). Tickets are priced at 15 euros.
For those who would like to see all six shows, a pass is available, priced at 60 euros.
• For more information and to reserve show tickets call 282 418 457.
