I’m so glad I bought a property and settled down in the Algarve; with so much going on there’s never a dull moment. January and February have flown by and now March brings a whole load of new things to do, see and visit.
Traditional Algarve fairs
Let’s start with a good fair in aid of those valiant firefighters of the Algarve, the Bombeiros. On Saturday 28th February and Sunday the 1st of March the first ever Flower, Products and Services Fair will be held in Pavilhão Fissul in Silves, to raise money and awareness for the Messines and Silves Bombeiros. This should be a Fair with a difference and we all want to support these brave men and women.
The annual Sausage Fair in Monchique ‘Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais’ is held on the first weekend of March and is not to be missed. Traditionally the sausages are made from cured black pork and you can not only see how they’re made but can eat them too. Local crafts will be in abundance and the music will no doubt be pounding out, encouraging singing and dancing! So make a date in your diaries for the 7th and 8th of March and beware of the medronho (firewater).
Vaqueiros is a village in Alcoutim and will be holding their 17th annual Feira do Pão Quentes e Queijo Fresco (Warm Bread and Fresh Cheese Fair) on Sunday 8th March.
Open from 9.30am until 7pm, you can wander through the main street where vendors will be baking the bread while you watch and the cheese makers will be selling their wares.
Featuring musical performances from Fábio Lagarto and Sérgio Rossi as well as lots of other local produce, crafts and entertainment. All of which adds to the atmosphere for a great day out!
Did you know that the cinema complex at Forum shopping mall in Faro has had a promotion on since 19th February and lasts until 19th March? No, neither did I. However they are only charging 2€ per ticket during this period so there’s a good way to finish a mornings shopping, a nice lunch in the food court followed by a good film! To find out more visit their website.
Music in March – not marching music
Starting on Sunday the 1st March and every Sunday thereafter until the 5th April, there will be an open mic at O Grady’s 12 Bar located at Quinta Da Figuerinha near the historic castle in Silves. This is Sunday afternoon entertainment with Spit Roast Chicken on the menu. For more information call 910 232 842 or visit their website.
Speaking of the castle in Silves, have a chuckle at our earlier spoof Castle for Sale listing.
Then on 7th March is another open mic, this time at O Jakaré bar and restaurant in Perna Seca, Messines. This is a regular event taking place on the first Saturday of the month. With a great mix of musicians and styles, bring your own instruments and join the fun. Backing tracks are available for singers. From 7pm – for more information you can email Kev Mosley.
The Teatro das Figuras in Faro has a full schedule this month. Starting on 5th March, Brazilian singer Adriana Calcanhotto will be performing solo. On 12 March enjoy a piano recital by Marta Carvalho de Mata. On the 15th March a Promenade concert by the Orquestra Clássica do Sul continues the season’s theme of ‘Legends of the Saints’. Check the programme for the full schedule.
The most flamboyant event at the Teatro this month is probably the 11th Faro Festival of Flamenco: Conexión Flamenca - featuring two of the most famous Flamenco dancers. The show is on 14th March and there are also Flamenco workshops on the 13th and 14th.
Easter Concerts in São Brás and Tavira
The Coro dos Amigos do Museu (choir of the Friends of the Museum) are based in São Brás de Alportel. The choir normally performs a cappella but will this time be accompanied by a whole host of professional and local musicians.
The concerts are at:
Igreja Misericordia, in Tavira on Friday 27th March at 5pm
Igreja Matriz de São Brás on Sunday 29th March at 5pm
Tickets cost 10€ each or 8€ for Friends of the Museum and can be bought at the door. To find out more you can visit their website.
Of course there are a lot more musical events happening this month but those are just to whet your appetite
The Algarve Golf Society March competitions
For our golfing fans, here’s a short list of some of the competitions going on this month organized by the Algarve Golf Society. These are all individual Stableford competitions and prices vary depending on the course. Check the website for more information.
8.30 am shotgun start on 7th March at Benamore near Tavira. It’s 60€ per player and that includes lunch and wine tasting.
12.34pm is the tee time on 14th March at Pinheiros Altos at Quinta do Lago.
Tee off at 12.52pm on 21st March at Alamos, just north of Portimão.
On 28th March tee off at 12.27pm at Silves Golf Course.
For more information on the Algarve’s 39 beautiful golf courses, take a look here.
For the serious golfers
Between Thursday 5 March and Sunday 15 March, the organisers of the Jamega Algarve Pro Golf Tour are inviting single figure handicappers to join the three events of Series 5 in Castro Marim, played on two courses: the Castro Marim (twice) and the Quinta do Vale.
There’ll be a practice day and two tournament days for each event, and the conditions of the courses will be prepared to a high standard.
Adult Amateur fees for both men and women are £125 and Junior fees (under 18) are £100 per event. For more information: call 917 909070 or visit the website.
Female Footie - The Algarve Cup
Once again women’s National football teams from all over the world are coming to the Algarve for the 22nd edition of the Algarve Cup. With Germany winning last year and the USA the year before, we’re all cheering on the Portugal team this year. The matches will be taking place between 4th to 11th March and you can see who is playing, and when, by visiting this link.
Mountain biking
The exciting Algarve Bike Challenge (ABC) will be taking place from the 6th to the 8th of March this year. Hosted in the historical city of Tavira, the event starts with a historical display of lights and torches in the town centre on the Friday evening. Teams of two will race in two stages, the first staying on mainly flat lands between the coast and the hills, while the Sunday GPS course sends the teams on a shorter but hillier race. The real challenge of this team race is not just about the winning but overcoming your own limitations and the enjoyment of being surrounded by nature. Here’s a short teaser video from the organisers.
A running club with a drinking problem – Algarve Hash House Harriers
Have you heard of the Hash House Harriers? Known as a running club with a drinking problem (or is it a drinking club with a running problem?) - this is a group of runners - and walkers - who have an informal gathering each Sunday afternoon (Mondays in summer) where they run a course (with many trick diversions) set by one of their members.
At the end of the run winners and losers (and anyone else for any apparent reason) are praised or ridiculed with the forfeit of a ‘down down’. A cup of beer to be consumed in a set amount of time – at which point the cup goes upside down on your head – whether empty or not!
The Algarve H3 is alive and running (pun intended!) and newcomers are welcome! Contact Peter (aka Beep Beep) by email or go the official Algarve HHH website at www.algarvehhh.org for info about the group and a calendar of the events and hashes.
Mother’s day falls on Sunday, 15th March this year (for Brits) so whatever you do, don’t forget to spoil Mum on that day. Flowers, chocolates and breakfast in bed are the traditional offerings that husbands help children shower on their Mums but any special treat will be really appreciated. Take note husbands!
Note that Portugal mother’s day falls on Sunday 3rd May this year, while for the USA and many European countries it will be celebrated on 10th May.
[We think this was included to remind Sun’s Dragon’s own offspring… Ed]
Algarve Fundraisers
The Friends of the New Goldra Dog Sanctuary are holding their first lunch fundraiser of the year on Saturday 14th March at Restaurant O Cilindro, in Loule. Priced at only €20 per person for a three course meal including wine and water, with a €5 donation to the sanctuary, it promises to be a fun afternoon. Find out more on their Facebook page.
Clubs and hobbies
Here are a few interesting clubs in the Algarve that you might like to know about. They say variety is the spice of life, and there are hundreds of different hobbies and activities going on - so I thought I’d add a few here for your information.
SHAKE is an organisation that brings people together, which can’t be bad. They set out to introduce people to new things, places and other like minded people. With a huge variety of hobbies, workshops and excursions to suit all tastes, they make it easy for people to try new things and meet new people. Check out their website.
Aside from their choir, the Friends of the Museum (Amigos do Museu) in São Brás are busy every day organising workshops and classes of all kinds.They have card clubs, book clubs, musical events for everyone to join in; they also organise excursions for wine lovers, history buffs and OAP’s.
They put on plays and musical performances as well as holding fairs and fundraisers. Contact them if this appeals to you.
Now we all know about the good works that Rotarians do so I thought I’d give you a heads up on just one of their branches in the Algarve. The Estoi Rotary Club meet every Tuesday for lunch at 1pm at the Estoi Palace (Pousada de Faro – Palácio de Estoi) except for the second Tuesday of the month when they meet at 7.30pm.
Although their meetings are conducted in English, they have members from many nationalities, with the objective to help the less fortunate.
For other areas of the Algarve, there are several Rotary clubs: here are a couple of them:
Kidz Klub is in Lagos and is a club for children aged between 5 and 12 years old. Run by the International Community Church every Saturday morning from 10am to 12 noon, there’s food, games, fun competitions, drama and music to keep all the kids happy and occupied, a boon to parents and children alike! Call 282 086 804 for more information.
Whoever said the Algarve is perfect for tourists on holiday is right of course but then look how much there is to do outside of ‘the season’. There’s a huge variety of activities and events all year round, and the Algarve’s weather is great to do them in.
If you have an event or activity or fund-raiser that you would like us to mention in our future monthly event blogs, please contact us and tell us all about them.
Things to do in the Algarve in March 2015
By Sun’s Dragon
I’m so glad I bought a property and settled down in the Algarve; with so much going on there’s never a dull moment. January and February have flown by and now March brings a whole load of new things to do, see and visit.
Traditional Algarve fairs
Let’s start with a good fair in aid of those valiant firefighters of the Algarve, the Bombeiros. On Saturday 28th February and Sunday the 1st of March the first ever Flower, Products and Services Fair will be held in Pavilhão Fissul in Silves, to raise money and awareness for the Messines and Silves Bombeiros. This should be a Fair with a difference and we all want to support these brave men and women.
The annual Sausage Fair in Monchique ‘Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais’ is held on the first weekend of March and is not to be missed. Traditionally the sausages are made from cured black pork and you can not only see how they’re made but can eat them too. Local crafts will be in abundance and the music will no doubt be pounding out, encouraging singing and dancing! So make a date in your diaries for the 7th and 8th of March and beware of the medronho (firewater).
Vaqueiros is a village in Alcoutim and will be holding their 17th annual Feira do Pão Quentes e Queijo Fresco (Warm Bread and Fresh Cheese Fair) on Sunday 8th March.
Open from 9.30am until 7pm, you can wander through the main street where vendors will be baking the bread while you watch and the cheese makers will be selling their wares.
Featuring musical performances from Fábio Lagarto and Sérgio Rossi as well as lots of other local produce, crafts and entertainment. All of which adds to the atmosphere for a great day out!
Did you know that the cinema complex at Forum shopping mall in Faro has had a promotion on since 19th February and lasts until 19th March? No, neither did I. However they are only charging 2€ per ticket during this period so there’s a good way to finish a mornings shopping, a nice lunch in the food court followed by a good film! To find out more visit their website.
Music in March – not marching music
Speaking of the castle in Silves, have a chuckle at our earlier spoof Castle for Sale listing.
Then on 7th March is another open mic, this time at O Jakaré bar and restaurant in Perna Seca, Messines. This is a regular event taking place on the first Saturday of the month. With a great mix of musicians and styles, bring your own instruments and join the fun. Backing tracks are available for singers. From 7pm – for more information you can email Kev Mosley.
The most flamboyant event at the Teatro this month is probably the 11th Faro Festival of Flamenco: Conexión Flamenca - featuring two of the most famous Flamenco dancers. The show is on 14th March and there are also Flamenco workshops on the 13th and 14th.
Easter Concerts in São Brás and Tavira
The Coro dos Amigos do Museu (choir of the Friends of the Museum) are based in São Brás de Alportel. The choir normally performs a cappella but will this time be accompanied by a whole host of professional and local musicians.
The concerts are at:
Tickets cost 10€ each or 8€ for Friends of the Museum and can be bought at the door. To find out more you can visit their website.
Of course there are a lot more musical events happening this month but those are just to whet your appetite
The Algarve Golf Society March competitions
8.30 am shotgun start on 7th March at Benamore near Tavira. It’s 60€ per player and that includes lunch and wine tasting.
12.34pm is the tee time on 14th March at Pinheiros Altos at Quinta do Lago.
Tee off at 12.52pm on 21st March at Alamos, just north of Portimão.
On 28th March tee off at 12.27pm at Silves Golf Course.
For more information on the Algarve’s 39 beautiful golf courses, take a look here.
For the serious golfers
Between Thursday 5 March and Sunday 15 March, the organisers of the Jamega Algarve Pro Golf Tour are inviting single figure handicappers to join the three events of Series 5 in Castro Marim, played on two courses: the Castro Marim (twice) and the Quinta do Vale.
There’ll be a practice day and two tournament days for each event, and the conditions of the courses will be prepared to a high standard.
Adult Amateur fees for both men and women are £125 and Junior fees (under 18) are £100 per event. For more information: call 917 909070 or visit the website.
Female Footie - The Algarve Cup
Once again women’s National football teams from all over the world are coming to the Algarve for the 22nd edition of the Algarve Cup. With Germany winning last year and the USA the year before, we’re all cheering on the Portugal team this year. The matches will be taking place between 4th to 11th March and you can see who is playing, and when, by visiting this link.
Mountain biking
The exciting Algarve Bike Challenge (ABC) will be taking place from the 6th to the 8th of March this year. Hosted in the historical city of Tavira, the event starts with a historical display of lights and torches in the town centre on the Friday evening. Teams of two will race in two stages, the first staying on mainly flat lands between the coast and the hills, while the Sunday GPS course sends the teams on a shorter but hillier race. The real challenge of this team race is not just about the winning but overcoming your own limitations and the enjoyment of being surrounded by nature. Here’s a short teaser video from the organisers.
A running club with a drinking problem – Algarve Hash House Harriers
Have you heard of the Hash House Harriers? Known as a running club with a drinking problem (or is it a drinking club with a running problem?) - this is a group of runners - and walkers - who have an informal gathering each Sunday afternoon (Mondays in summer) where they run a course (with many trick diversions) set by one of their members.
At the end of the run winners and losers (and anyone else for any apparent reason) are praised or ridiculed with the forfeit of a ‘down down’. A cup of beer to be consumed in a set amount of time – at which point the cup goes upside down on your head – whether empty or not!
The Algarve H3 is alive and running (pun intended!) and newcomers are welcome! Contact Peter (aka Beep Beep) by email or go the official Algarve HHH website at www.algarvehhh.org for info about the group and a calendar of the events and hashes.
Note that Portugal mother’s day falls on Sunday 3rd May this year, while for the USA and many European countries it will be celebrated on 10th May.
[We think this was included to remind Sun’s Dragon’s own offspring… Ed]
The Friends of the New Goldra Dog Sanctuary are holding their first lunch fundraiser of the year on Saturday 14th March at Restaurant O Cilindro, in Loule. Priced at only €20 per person for a three course meal including wine and water, with a €5 donation to the sanctuary, it promises to be a fun afternoon. Find out more on their Facebook page.
Clubs and hobbies
Here are a few interesting clubs in the Algarve that you might like to know about. They say variety is the spice of life, and there are hundreds of different hobbies and activities going on - so I thought I’d add a few here for your information.
SHAKE is an organisation that brings people together, which can’t be bad. They set out to introduce people to new things, places and other like minded people. With a huge variety of hobbies, workshops and excursions to suit all tastes, they make it easy for people to try new things and meet new people. Check out their website.
Aside from their choir, the Friends of the Museum (Amigos do Museu) in São Brás are busy every day organising workshops and classes of all kinds.They have card clubs, book clubs, musical events for everyone to join in; they also organise excursions for wine lovers, history buffs and OAP’s.
They put on plays and musical performances as well as holding fairs and fundraisers. Contact them if this appeals to you.
Although their meetings are conducted in English, they have members from many nationalities, with the objective to help the less fortunate.
For other areas of the Algarve, there are several Rotary clubs: here are a couple of them:
International Rotary Club Almancil
Rotary Club Porches International
Whoever said the Algarve is perfect for tourists on holiday is right of course but then look how much there is to do outside of ‘the season’. There’s a huge variety of activities and events all year round, and the Algarve’s weather is great to do them in.
If you have an event or activity or fund-raiser that you would like us to mention in our future monthly event blogs, please contact us and tell us all about them.
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