Spring is springing, birds are singing and the sun is once again shining; oh yes folks, March is here and we are expecting an average of 7 hours sunshine per day. Life is good and there are so many good things in store for us this month. Read on MacDuff…
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
To start the month off, there’s a general auction on Saturday 1st March, at 10am and here is where you may just find that elusive item you have been searching for. Or, you may want to change a few things around the house and sell off your unwanted items, after having a good spring clean. You never know, you may be lucky enough to replace them at the same time on auction day. Then on Wednesday 19th March there will be a special auction of antiques and collectables starting at 7.30pm.
Opening times for viewing are Tuesdays to Fridays, from 9.30am to 5.30pm, and on Saturdays from 9.30am to 1.30pm.
You will find the auction house on the Faro to Sâo Brás road and for more information you can call 282 832 380 or email[email protected]
It’s Carnival time again!
Now is a good time to let your hair down, get/make a costume and join in the fun. Throughout the Algarve, in almost every town and village, there will be parades, music, dancing and spectacular costumes. Just check at your local Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council) for details of what’s happening near you, or simply go along to the major festivals, all of which are usually well advertised.
Loulé
Costumes, floats, parades, pulsing music and an electric atmosphere – this is Carnaval Loulé style. This year’s theme is “Unique and Irrevocable” and takes place on the 1st, 2nd and 4th March. Each day the parade will start at 3pm and for a few Euros you can be part of the crowd of spectators along the Avenida José da Costa Mealha. Generally acknowledged as the biggest Carnaval in the Algarve, it’s not to be missed.
Chinicato and Odiáxere
The 2nd March sees the big parade in Chinicato and on the 4th March it will be held in Odiáxere. Both parades will begin at 3pm and are guaranteed to be exciting, funny and loud!
Carvoeiro
The main streets of Carvoeiro will be closed down from the 1st to the 4th March in readiness for the big processions of floats. The music will be blasting, costumes will be OTT and the dancing will be frenetic.
Alte, Paderne, Quarteira, Moncarapacho, Faro, Tavira, Vila Real San Antonio and Armação de Pera are just some of the towns and beach resorts that will be “putting on the style”. Check it out and whatever you do, don’t miss it.
The Algarveans love Carnaval and put every effort into having a whale of a time and making sure that everybody “gets with the programme”.
Food and Fairs
The traditional Sausage Fair in Monchique is taking place on the 2nd and 3rd of March. Monchique has put on this extravaganza for 20 years featuring all the various sausages made with ‘carne de porcopreto’ or black pig; they have got it down to perfection. You can find out how the sausages are made and of course how they taste; I can tell you that already - delicious. Naturally there will be plenty of music on the go too and lots of local crafts will be on display for you to admire and buy.
The Hot Bread and Fresh Cheese Fair will be taking place in Vaqueiros on the 9th March starting from 9.30am. This ever-popular, customary fair will be baking the bread in traditional ovens on the streets; you can’t get fresher than that can you! With all the local cheeses on display to accompany the hot bread, it will be a veritable feast of a day. There will also be plenty of stalls filled with locally made artefacts and crafts for you to buy and of course there will be music and entertainment – this is the Algarve!
Sunday morning farmer’s market – Faro
Now I know this isn’t a fair, but it is food! The freshest vegetables, herbs and fruits you can imagine are on sale every Sunday morning at Largo do Carmo; the square by the main PT office in Faro. I went along out of curiosity (needing nothing) and came away laden down with the freshest food stuff I have seen for a long time. It’s a must visit place for the foodies among us.
Variety is the spice of life
Now here is a really good selection of some of the entertainment being offered this month. There’s something for all tastes for a delightful evening out.
Teatro das Figuras (The Municipal Theatre in Faro) presents a piano concert featuring the renowned Young-Choon Park, playing her interpretations of Scarlatti, Beethoven, Schumann and Liszt. A child prodigy, she has studied at the Juilliard School in New York and later gained the highest Masters degree at the Hochschule in Munich. This concert will take place on 6th Marchat 9.30pm and the tickets are on sale now. Just call 289 888 100to book tickets or for more information.
Also in Faro is Friday Night Jazz featuring the Severino Quartet. Taking place at the Lethes Theatre on the 7th March at 9.30pm at a cost of 8€ per person. Jazz fans everywhere will be enthralled.
Another firm favourite is pantomime! And The Algarvean Experimental Theatre will be giving us exactly what we want – Oh yes they will.....
They will be appearing in the Lagoa Auditorium with their version of Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood. Starting at 8pm there will be three shows, Wednesday 12th, Thursday 13th and Friday 14th March.Tickets cost €10 for adults and €5 for children. You can call 913 723 611, 966 211 634 or 282 496 635 or email [email protected]
Special Days
8th of March is International Women’s Day and there are two special events on this day to celebrate.
The Soroptimists in Tavira invite you to join them for a conversation on the issues that affect women; starting at 5pm. At 7.30pm there will be a dinner with Fado music. Entrance is by invitation only. You can apply for an invitation by going to the following link http://lyndalb.wix.com/soroptimistasflyer
This event will take place in Clube de Tavira in the centre of the town.
The Desperate Horsewives and the Algarve Oncology Association (AOA) are hosting a dinner evening at Jardim do Vale restaurant in Almancil at 7.30pm, to celebrate International Women’s Day. The aim is to raise funds for Breast Cancer and “Their Voice Portugal” (the horse charity started and run by Sharon Clark). The three course meal, including wine, water and coffee at this prestigious venue, will set you back €15, and you are asked to bring along a wrapped bottle to help raise funds for these very worthy causes. To find out more and to book your table call 916 641 007 or 969 797 184 or email Sherry Saunders on [email protected]
On the 15th March at the Musical Auditorium in Olhão, Luis Guilherme is appearing in concert. Known in Portugal as “the golden voice”, he has an extraordinarily versatile vocal range and is also a composer, song writer and musical producer. His concert starts at 9.30pm. For more information call 289 710 170
Last but by no means least, The Silver Mask Theatre Group are putting on a Variety Show on the 27th and 28th of the month. Tickets cost €29 per person and this includes a 3 course Indian Dinner. This all takes place at the Raj Restaurant at the Holiday Inn Algarve and you can call them on 282 320 260 or email [email protected] for information and booking.
Mothering Sundayfalls on the 30th of March this year and of course all mothers everywhere will be spoiled with breakfast in bed, a bunch of flowers, or a box of chocolates. At least we hope so! However if you want to go the whole hog for a special treat for your Mum, here is what the Conrad Algarve is offering:
A special spa treatment, including a glass of champagne and a delicious lunch. They have a “kids zone” where the little members of the family can enjoy a supervised few hours with fun, games, videos or even a treasure hunt. Now this really will give Mum a break. Call 289 350 700 to find out more.
Whatever you do, don’t forget your Mum on that day!
For the gardeners
From 28th to 30th March, The Mediterranean Garden Society is hosting a conference at the Pine Cliffs Hotel in Albufeira. World famous, Ray Lancaster OBE, VMH, will be the keynote speaker at this event, where attendees can learn all about Dry Mediterranean Gardening. The Society will be highlighting plants that can be grown with little or no irrigation and provide long term impact with low maintenance. Saving time, energy and costs always appeals to me and this sounds ideal.
There will be specialists on hand to advise and guide all visitors, as well as plants on show and for sale. For a full programme and booking forms email Rosie Peddle [email protected] or call 289 791 869. You may also like to visit their website www.gardeninginportugal.com
The great outdoors
Walking is supposed to be very good for us and, I have to say, walking in the Algarve is not just healthy but brings one peace and contentment whilst observing the abundant plant and wildlife that makes the Algarve so special. This is when you could unexpectedly find one of the Algarve’s “hidden jewels”.
I came across Terry Ames, who is an expert walker/rambler and specialises in taking people on guided tours around the Algarve. You walk at your own pace, so whether you’re a dedicated experienced hiker or just want to ramble through the countryside, he is the man to guide you. He can pick you up, drop you off, take you to a country cafe for lunch or arrange for board and lodging if you want to hike across the Algarve Way for a couple of weeks. If you fancy a ramble, then why not give Terry a call? 289 489 662 or 912 715 835 or email him on [email protected].
His website is also very informative http://www.algarvewalkingexperience.com
I have to say, I can’t miss out golf when writing about the Algarve. So many of us enjoy a good round or two and here is the help we need to keep up the good work!
At Espiche Golf Club, the ladies have their own weekly golf/coffee morning. Every Thursday at 10am they enjoy the benefits of a group golfing clinic with the PGA golf professional, Peter Lester, and relax and reflect afterwards with an informal coffee and chat. The cost is €25 per week and you can call them on 282 688 250 to find out how to join in.
With so many different but exciting activities to choose from I can guarantee you won’t ever get bored. Many of these events can be for groups of friends to enjoy together of just for you to join in.
If you are planning your own big event and would like to have it included in our monthly blog, just let us know in time and we will do our best.
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.
Things to do in the Algarve for March 2014
by Sun’s Dragon
Spring is springing, birds are singing and the sun is once again shining; oh yes folks, March is here and we are expecting an average of 7 hours sunshine per day. Life is good and there are so many good things in store for us this month. Read on MacDuff…
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
To start the month off, there’s a general auction on Saturday 1st March, at 10am and here is where you may just find that elusive item you have been searching for. Or, you may want to change a few things around the house and sell off your unwanted items, after having a good spring clean. You never know, you may be lucky enough to replace them at the same time on auction day. Then on Wednesday 19th March there will be a special auction of antiques and collectables starting at 7.30pm.
Opening times for viewing are Tuesdays to Fridays, from 9.30am to 5.30pm, and on Saturdays from 9.30am to 1.30pm.
You will find the auction house on the Faro to Sâo Brás road and for more information you can call 282 832 380 or email [email protected]
It’s Carnival time again!
Now is a good time to let your hair down, get/make a costume and join in the fun. Throughout the Algarve, in almost every town and village, there will be parades, music, dancing and spectacular costumes. Just check at your local Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council) for details of what’s happening near you, or simply go along to the major festivals, all of which are usually well advertised.
Loulé
Costumes, floats, parades, pulsing music and an electric atmosphere – this is Carnaval Loulé style. This year’s theme is “Unique and Irrevocable” and takes place on the 1st, 2nd and 4th March. Each day the parade will start at 3pm and for a few Euros you can be part of the crowd of spectators along the Avenida José da Costa Mealha. Generally acknowledged as the biggest Carnaval in the Algarve, it’s not to be missed.
Chinicato and Odiáxere
The 2nd March sees the big parade in Chinicato and on the 4th March it will be held in Odiáxere. Both parades will begin at 3pm and are guaranteed to be exciting, funny and loud!
Carvoeiro
The main streets of Carvoeiro will be closed down from the 1st to the 4th March in readiness for the big processions of floats. The music will be blasting, costumes will be OTT and the dancing will be frenetic.
Alte, Paderne, Quarteira, Moncarapacho, Faro, Tavira, Vila Real San Antonio and Armação de Pera are just some of the towns and beach resorts that will be “putting on the style”. Check it out and whatever you do, don’t miss it.
The Algarveans love Carnaval and put every effort into having a whale of a time and making sure that everybody “gets with the programme”.
Food and Fairs
The traditional Sausage Fair in Monchique is taking place on the 2nd and 3rd of March. Monchique has put on this extravaganza for 20 years featuring all the various sausages made with ‘carne de porcopreto’ or black pig; they have got it down to perfection. You can find out how the sausages are made and of course how they taste; I can tell you that already - delicious. Naturally there will be plenty of music on the go too and lots of local crafts will be on display for you to admire and buy.
Sunday morning farmer’s market – Faro
Now I know this isn’t a fair, but it is food! The freshest vegetables, herbs and fruits you can imagine are on sale every Sunday morning at Largo do Carmo; the square by the main PT office in Faro. I went along out of curiosity (needing nothing) and came away laden down with the freshest food stuff I have seen for a long time. It’s a must visit place for the foodies among us.
Variety is the spice of life
Now here is a really good selection of some of the entertainment being offered this month. There’s something for all tastes for a delightful evening out.
Teatro das Figuras (The Municipal Theatre in Faro) presents a piano concert featuring the renowned Young-Choon Park, playing her interpretations of Scarlatti, Beethoven, Schumann and Liszt. A child prodigy, she has studied at the Juilliard School in New York and later gained the highest Masters degree at the Hochschule in Munich. This concert will take place on 6th March at 9.30pm and the tickets are on sale now. Just call 289 888 100 to book tickets or for more information.
Another firm favourite is pantomime! And The Algarvean Experimental Theatre will be giving us exactly what we want – Oh yes they will.....
Special Days
The Soroptimists in Tavira invite you to join them for a conversation on the issues that affect women; starting at 5pm. At 7.30pm there will be a dinner with Fado music. Entrance is by invitation only. You can apply for an invitation by going to the following link http://lyndalb.wix.com/soroptimistasflyer
This event will take place in Clube de Tavira in the centre of the town.
The Desperate Horsewives and the Algarve Oncology Association (AOA) are hosting a dinner evening at Jardim do Vale restaurant in Almancil at 7.30pm, to celebrate International Women’s Day. The aim is to raise funds for Breast Cancer and “Their Voice Portugal” (the horse charity started and run by Sharon Clark). The three course meal, including wine, water and coffee at this prestigious venue, will set you back €15, and you are asked to bring along a wrapped bottle to help raise funds for these very worthy causes. To find out more and to book your table call 916 641 007 or 969 797 184 or email Sherry Saunders on [email protected]
Last but by no means least, The Silver Mask Theatre Group are putting on a Variety Show on the 27th and 28th of the month. Tickets cost €29 per person and this includes a 3 course Indian Dinner. This all takes place at the Raj Restaurant at the Holiday Inn Algarve and you can call them on 282 320 260 or email [email protected] for information and booking.
A special spa treatment, including a glass of champagne and a delicious lunch. They have a “kids zone” where the little members of the family can enjoy a supervised few hours with fun, games, videos or even a treasure hunt. Now this really will give Mum a break. Call 289 350 700 to find out more.
Whatever you do, don’t forget your Mum on that day!
For the gardeners
There will be specialists on hand to advise and guide all visitors, as well as plants on show and for sale. For a full programme and booking forms email Rosie Peddle [email protected] or call 289 791 869. You may also like to visit their website www.gardeninginportugal.com
The great outdoors
I came across Terry Ames, who is an expert walker/rambler and specialises in taking people on guided tours around the Algarve. You walk at your own pace, so whether you’re a dedicated experienced hiker or just want to ramble through the countryside, he is the man to guide you. He can pick you up, drop you off, take you to a country cafe for lunch or arrange for board and lodging if you want to hike across the Algarve Way for a couple of weeks. If you fancy a ramble, then why not give Terry a call? 289 489 662 or 912 715 835 or email him on [email protected].
His website is also very informative http://www.algarvewalkingexperience.com
I have to say, I can’t miss out golf when writing about the Algarve. So many of us enjoy a good round or two and here is the help we need to keep up the good work!
At Espiche Golf Club, the ladies have their own weekly golf/coffee morning. Every Thursday at 10am they enjoy the benefits of a group golfing clinic with the PGA golf professional, Peter Lester, and relax and reflect afterwards with an informal coffee and chat. The cost is €25 per week and you can call them on 282 688 250 to find out how to join in.
With so many different but exciting activities to choose from I can guarantee you won’t ever get bored. Many of these events can be for groups of friends to enjoy together of just for you to join in.
If you are planning your own big event and would like to have it included in our monthly blog, just let us know in time and we will do our best.
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.