The sun has got his hat on as I write this, but we all know about April showers and, despite the rains in February, we need more showers for the crops; let’s hope they happen during the night!
Take a walk on the wild side
The fields have been carpeted with wild flowers for over a month now and will continue to be delightful all during the spring. I actually spotted a whole patch of naked man orchids last week as well as Lady’s Slipper and Bee Orchids and, to my amazement, a small patch of bluebells. I have never seen wild bluebells in the Algarve before and was thrilled to have found them; they brought back happy memories of the bluebell woods of my childhood.
Talking of wild flowers:
The New Association for Mediterranean Gardeners in Portugal is holding a special event on the 5th April at Quinta da Figueirinha in Silves, where you can meet the authors of the guide book, Wild Flowers of the Algarve You can even take a walk on the wild side, viewing the beautiful wild flowers growing at the Quinta. The meeting starts at 2pm. You can contact Rosie Peddle on [email protected] for more information or go to their website for directions to the event.
Clubs and goings on
It’s nice to have so many different clubs and events here; we really are spoilt for choice, and we shall no doubt be on the go all during the summer months too.
HM Ambassador, Jill Gallard, will be attending the launch of the Royal British Club Algarve Division’s cocktail party, from 6pm to 8pm on the 1st April at the Estoi Palace Hotel. To become a member of the RBC, email [email protected]. The cost is €35 for a single and €50 per couple. The fee to attend the cocktail party is €10 per person, if you reserve by the 26th March, or €15 at the door. This new branch of the club has a variety of events planned for the year, so it should be interesting.
Air your vocal chords
Barbershop singing is alive and kicking in the Algarve! The Harmony Choir is scouting for hidden talent, so here’s your chance to see if you have what it takes. They are giving free coaching and lessons. All they ask is that you come along to their fun group and be enthusiastic. The group meets every Tuesday evening in Moncarapacho. Sylvy is the leader of the “band” and can be contacted on 914 848 108 or you can visit their website to find out more.
Easter in the Algarve
Easter is a big event in the Algarve, just as it is the world over. But here the celebrations are more about religion and there are some fantastic processions to see and enjoy. Sugared almonds are flooding the shops as well as the renowned Folar cakes; I foresee a diet coming on!
Palm Sunday on 13th April
On Palm Sunday, the annual Triumphal Procession takes place in Tavira.
Good Friday on 18th April
In the town of Silves, The procession starts at the cathedral and winds its way through the historic town, taking 2 hours to complete the journey.
Easter Sunday on 20th April
São Bras de Alportel celebrates Easter Sunday with the Festa das Tochas Floridas (Festival of the Flower Torches).
Easter egg hunt
On Easter Saturday 19th April from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, Jardim do Vale restaurant in Vale Formosa, Almancil, is holding an Easter egg hunt in their fabulous gardens. Afternoon tea (or hot chocolate for the children) with scones, jam and clotted cream will be served. This will be followed by the hunt for eggs for the kids, with a prize for the winner! An entertaining afternoon out is promised for a modest charge of €5 for adults and €2 for children. To book your places call Luis or Monica on 964 850 669.
Fairs
Folar Cake Fairs will be taking place all over the Algarve during Easter, so check with your local Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council) to find out where you can enjoy the fair closest to you
The Annual Spring Fair at the Costume Museum in São Brãs in on Sunday 13th April, starting at 11am. This is definitely a fun day out for the whole family, where you can enjoy home grown produce, flowers and plants, herbs, spices and teas, as well as handicrafts and a whole lot more. There’s free entry for everyone.
National Holiday of Portugal
Liberation Day is on April 25th and is always a good reason for fireworks, music and entertainment in towns and villages across the region. Again, check with your local Parish Council for details of what’s happening in your area.
Sports
On 6th April, serious cyclists are invited to take part in an annual cycle rally in aid of children with autism. The 70km ride stars at Escola EB 2,3 de Almancil and ends back at the school for lunch and prize-giving. For more details email Jose at [email protected] or call him on 914 512 887.
Do you want to learn how to drive a horse and carriage? Don’t forget, the Duke of Edinburgh was taking part in this sport until he was 90 years old; so everybody of any age or gender can have some fun with this. From 10.30am to 1pm, every Wednesday until the 25th June, lessons are given at the New Forest Lodge on the edge of the Cabo Vincentina National Park in Aljezur. It’s €25 per person, so if you want to give it a go, book your lesson by calling 917 934 864.
The annual Vodafone Rally of Portugal is taking place from the 3rd to 6th April, starting in Lisbon with a race to the Algarve. It’s all happening around the Stadium in Faro. To find out more about the safe places to watch this exciting event and much more, check out this website.
Now here’s another sport that can be enjoyed by everyone.
The 11th International Speed Skating Competition will be taking place in Lagos from 4thto 6th April. The event is organised by the "Clube de Lagos Roller Patinagem" and takes place on the new track. There is also a 23km race by the sea, which will be very exciting for the overseas visitors. For more information and contacts visit this website.
It is perfect weather for golfing right now and here are a couple of attractive packages for all you avid golfers out there.
The Dona Filipa Hotel in Vale do Lobo is putting on a “winter package” for all keen golfers. Their 4th Annual Spring Amateur Golf Week Tournament is from 5th to12th April. This includes 4 rounds of competition golf on the San Lorenzo course. Check out their website for the low down.
The Penina Golf Resort and Hotel is also doing a package golf tournament from the 6th April to 12th April. This includes a practice round and three competition rounds on the Penina Championship course in Portimão. Check this websitefor more details.
Entertainment
The 3rd International Accordion Players event will take place in the Cinema Ossónoba in Estoi on the 4th April at 9.30pm. World famous players Pietro Adragna from Italy and Maric Peter from Serbia will be there, and the Campeão Nacional E Ibérico (the National Champion of Iberia) Ricardo Alves. This promises to be a fantastic show of talent that will get your feet tapping.
See and hear Pietro Adragna live here.
What about St George?
Isn’t it strange that the Portuguese, Irish, Welsh and Scots, and just about everyone else, all celebrate their national days with music, food, dancing and even fireworks, but the English don’t seem to bother with St. George’s Day, which is on 23rdApril. I don’t know if this is arrogance or lethargy, but I do find it a pity. However, Julie’s Taverna in Santa Barbara de Nexe is looking into putting on a “do” for the English, let’s hope it happens! Has anybody else heard of a St. George’s event in the Algarve?
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.
Things to do in the Algarve for April 2014
by Sun’s Dragon
The sun has got his hat on as I write this, but we all know about April showers and, despite the rains in February, we need more showers for the crops; let’s hope they happen during the night!
Take a walk on the wild side
The fields have been carpeted with wild flowers for over a month now and will continue to be delightful all during the spring. I actually spotted a whole patch of naked man orchids last week as well as Lady’s Slipper and Bee Orchids and, to my amazement, a small patch of bluebells. I have never seen wild bluebells in the Algarve before and was thrilled to have found them; they brought back happy memories of the bluebell woods of my childhood.
Talking of wild flowers:
The New Association for Mediterranean Gardeners in Portugal is holding a special event on the 5th April at Quinta da Figueirinha in Silves, where you can meet the authors of the guide book, Wild Flowers of the Algarve You can even take a walk on the wild side, viewing the beautiful wild flowers growing at the Quinta. The meeting starts at 2pm. You can contact Rosie Peddle on [email protected] for more information or go to their website for directions to the event.
Clubs and goings on
It’s nice to have so many different clubs and events here; we really are spoilt for choice, and we shall no doubt be on the go all during the summer months too.
HM Ambassador, Jill Gallard, will be attending the launch of the Royal British Club Algarve Division’s cocktail party, from 6pm to 8pm on the 1st April at the Estoi Palace Hotel. To become a member of the RBC, email [email protected]. The cost is €35 for a single and €50 per couple. The fee to attend the cocktail party is €10 per person, if you reserve by the 26th March, or €15 at the door. This new branch of the club has a variety of events planned for the year, so it should be interesting.
Air your vocal chords
Barbershop singing is alive and kicking in the Algarve! The Harmony Choir is scouting for hidden talent, so here’s your chance to see if you have what it takes. They are giving free coaching and lessons. All they ask is that you come along to their fun group and be enthusiastic. The group meets every Tuesday evening in Moncarapacho. Sylvy is the leader of the “band” and can be contacted on 914 848 108 or you can visit their website to find out more.
Easter is a big event in the Algarve, just as it is the world over. But here the celebrations are more about religion and there are some fantastic processions to see and enjoy. Sugared almonds are flooding the shops as well as the renowned Folar cakes; I foresee a diet coming on!
Palm Sunday on 13th April
On Palm Sunday, the annual Triumphal Procession takes place in Tavira.
Good Friday on 18th April
In the town of Silves, The procession starts at the cathedral and winds its way through the historic town, taking 2 hours to complete the journey.
Easter Sunday on 20th April
São Bras de Alportel celebrates Easter Sunday with the Festa das Tochas Floridas (Festival of the Flower Torches).
Easter egg hunt
On Easter Saturday 19th April from 3.30pm to 5.30pm, Jardim do Vale restaurant in Vale Formosa, Almancil, is holding an Easter egg hunt in their fabulous gardens. Afternoon tea (or hot chocolate for the children) with scones, jam and clotted cream will be served. This will be followed by the hunt for eggs for the kids, with a prize for the winner! An entertaining afternoon out is promised for a modest charge of €5 for adults and €2 for children. To book your places call Luis or Monica on 964 850 669.
Folar Cake Fairs will be taking place all over the Algarve during Easter, so check with your local Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council) to find out where you can enjoy the fair closest to you
The Annual Spring Fair at the Costume Museum in São Brãs in on Sunday 13th April, starting at 11am. This is definitely a fun day out for the whole family, where you can enjoy home grown produce, flowers and plants, herbs, spices and teas, as well as handicrafts and a whole lot more. There’s free entry for everyone.
National Holiday of Portugal
Liberation Day is on April 25th and is always a good reason for fireworks, music and entertainment in towns and villages across the region. Again, check with your local Parish Council for details of what’s happening in your area.
Sports
On 6th April, serious cyclists are invited to take part in an annual cycle rally in aid of children with autism. The 70km ride stars at Escola EB 2,3 de Almancil and ends back at the school for lunch and prize-giving. For more details email Jose at [email protected] or call him on 914 512 887.
Do you want to learn how to drive a horse and carriage? Don’t forget, the Duke of Edinburgh was taking part in this sport until he was 90 years old; so everybody of any age or gender can have some fun with this. From 10.30am to 1pm, every Wednesday until the 25th June, lessons are given at the New Forest Lodge on the edge of the Cabo Vincentina National Park in Aljezur. It’s €25 per person, so if you want to give it a go, book your lesson by calling 917 934 864.
Now here’s another sport that can be enjoyed by everyone.
It is perfect weather for golfing right now and here are a couple of attractive packages for all you avid golfers out there.
The Penina Golf Resort and Hotel is also doing a package golf tournament from the 6th April to 12th April. This includes a practice round and three competition rounds on the Penina Championship course in Portimão. Check this website for more details.
Entertainment
The 3rd International Accordion Players event will take place in the Cinema Ossónoba in Estoi on the 4th April at 9.30pm. World famous players Pietro Adragna from Italy and Maric Peter from Serbia will be there, and the Campeão Nacional E Ibérico (the National Champion of Iberia) Ricardo Alves. This promises to be a fantastic show of talent that will get your feet tapping.
See and hear Pietro Adragna live here.
What about St George?
Isn’t it strange that the Portuguese, Irish, Welsh and Scots, and just about everyone else, all celebrate their national days with music, food, dancing and even fireworks, but the English don’t seem to bother with St. George’s Day, which is on 23rdApril. I don’t know if this is arrogance or lethargy, but I do find it a pity. However, Julie’s Taverna in Santa Barbara de Nexe is looking into putting on a “do” for the English, let’s hope it happens! Has anybody else heard of a St. George’s event in the Algarve?
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.