I love the spring in the Algarve, my garden is filled with birdsong from dawn till dusk, and from dusk till dawn the frogs sing their hearts out too, if somewhat out of tune. The heavenly scent of Jasmine is slowly fading but soon the Dame de Noite will be perfuming the garden throughout the night. The roses are blooming and the blooming grass needs mowing all the time!
However away from home there is plenty going on in the Algarve this month. Here is just a small selection of the many events and activities in May.
May Day! May Day!
No this is not a distress signal but a public holiday! Traditionally everybody “packs up the baby and grabs the old lady and everyone goes” (thanks Neil Diamond for those lyrics) on a picnic!
Yes, Labour Day is when the local population take the opportunity for a great family day out; into the hills, along the roadsides or on the beaches – its picnic time. Join right in and make lots of new friends – it’s fun.
Starting on the 1st of May and ongoing until the 24th is the wonderful Festival of the Sea (Gastronómica do Mar) in Tavira. With 18 restaurants taking part I think you are going to be spoilt for choice with all the seafood delights that will be on offer. Give it a try.
Now if you want something more energetic for May Day, you can take part in the Ossónoba Trail running event. Estoi is where the trails start and finish, and there are three trails to choose from:
It’s certainly a busy time for Estoi because on the 2nd May is the famous Festa da Pinha. The story goes that in the old days it was a dangerous trek from Estoi to Ludo where the local producers took their wares to sell. Brigands were all along the route and so the villagers went in convoy, with laden wagons and horse riders alongside to protect them.
Nowadays the wagons are decorated with palm leaves and flowers, filled with BBQ’s and beer and lots of locals cheering to the waiting crowds. Horse riders accompany them dressed in all their finery – and once they get to Ludo it’s time for the feast.
A few hours later the entire convoy makes its way back to Estoi, still partying on the wagons and enjoying hospitality from every bar along the way!
Once back in Estoi it’s time for more celebrations and fireworks. It’s a must-see event so come along and join in. Viva a Pinha!
There’s no let up because on the 3rd of May there’s the annual Spring Fair in São Brás organised by the Amigos de Museu (Friends of the Museum). From 11am until 4pm you can see and buy all the home grown produce, homemade cakes and see stalls filled with jewellery, crafts, cards and much more. There’s plenty of fun for the kids too and it’s a super family day out.
By the way, did you know that there’s a new regular Sunday Car boot sale starting up? The first one is on 3rd May from 10am until 7pm. Alcantarilha, Silves, is the location and for answers to any and all the questions you may have you can email Charles.
10th May is Mothers’ Day in Portugal and it’s time to let mum know how much you care. Restaurants will be booked up early, florists may run out, so be the early bird and plan ahead!
Algarve Showcase at O’Grady’s
O'Gradys 12 Bar is located in Quinta Da Figuerinha, Silves and they’ve come up with the brilliant and innovative idea of showcasing the talent to be found here in the Algarve.
On 9th May, two stages will be set up in their lovely beer garden, where more than 20 acts are expected to perform: each act will give a short performance between 2pm and 10pm.
This free event, which is open to the public, is aimed at hoteliers, restaurant and bar owners, entertainment managers and agents across the Algarve. All types of acts are invited to take part.
There’ll even be a special guest appearance by the up-and-coming singer songwriter Barry Tierney from Ireland, who will play a selection of tracks from his debut album Hotel Alamar.
This is an excellent opportunity to show off your special talents and get noticed and it’s a great chance for folks to enjoy a day out and being entertained for free! Check O’Grady’sFacebook page for more information or if you would like to perform at the Algarve Showcase.
Lazy Sunday Afternoon
Now on the 10th of May from 2pm is an event very close to my own heart and I do hope you can all make it. There’s to be “A Lazy Sunday Afternoon” street party in the village of Santa Barbara de Nexe at Julie’s Bar.
A kick-back and relax afternoon is on the cards, featuring live music from Twice as Nice plus an assortment of silly games to play or to watch, to get everyone in a great mood.
Try not to get thrown in jail on trumped up charges because it’ll cost you a Euro to get out again. A buffet will also be available, and will cost you just a €1 donation. Volunteers are welcome to bring a plate.
All this is in aid of TheBonzo Street Dog Gang to raise funds for these poor mites, and if you want to adopt or donate: just email for details of how to go about it. So, come along, kick back and enjoy.
Still for the Bonzo Street Dog Gang, the intrepid daredevil Colin Willis is taking on all challengers for a ‘best of 3 games’ of pool anywhere between Albufeira and Burgau. Up to €5 bet, Colin will double the winnings for the fund if you can beat him, or your challenge money goes to the fund if you lose. Email for more info if you fancy your chances against Colin – all for a good cause.
Salir’s Festa da Espiga
Salir is holding their annual Festa Da Espiga (Feast of the Espiga) on 14th May starting at 9am and closing on the 16th May at 11.55pm.
The three evenings will be divided up by Espiga Night, Popular Night and Youth Night respectively. There will be feasting, dancing, sporting events and much more.
The Portuguese people know how to celebrate in style so go along and see what’s on the agenda or check the website for more information.
7th Portuguese Wine Show
Now this is something for wine lovers everywhere: from the 16th to the 18th May come to the VII Grande Mostra Vinhos de Portugal in Albufeira, with wine tasting sessions, cooking lessons with wine and the chance to discover some of Portugal’s wide variety of delicious wines.
Featuring wines of the Douro, Alentejo, Tejo and Estremadura regions, this is a great opportunity for your taste buds! It’s all happening at the Albufeira Multi-use Pavilion from 2.30pm until 8pm each day. Don’t miss it! Find out more on the website or the Facebook page.
May 18 until May 20 is when the ‘Terra de Maio’ fair in Azinhal, Castro Marim will be held. Promoting the best of the Algarve’s products, including gastronomic demonstrations, various produce tastings and Algarve wines, there’ll also be traditional games, donkey rides and horse riding shows. Centro Multi-usos is where it will all take place. For more information please call 281 510 740.
Feeling blue?
The second Blues Festival in the Lethes Teatro in Faro is on the 22nd and 23rd of May. Ticket prices are to be announced but after the resounding success of last year, I’m sure they will be well worth the cost. Contact the ACTA group at Lethes Teatro for more information.
More dog stuff
Now here’s some good news and a heart warming story. Dr. Luis Aleixo - Municipal Vet for Silves Canil, is working at the grass-roots level to educate and support his community’s pets and strays and to build a sterilisation unit at the municipal clinic.
Dr. Luis has, with support from the Silves Câmara, has organised a Fun Dog Walk in Silves on May 24th to raise funds for this project. Cadela Carlota & Companhia - Associação de Protecção de Animais are joining in to raise awareness and to hopefully have some of their rescue dogs joining in the walk.
Volunteers are asked to walk the dogs from the Cadela Carlota association or to sponsor walkers. Dog owners are encouraged to join in too but are required (by law) to show their pet’s registration and vaccination records.
In lieu of a registration fee, sponsors and walkers can make a donation of food, blankets, flea pipettes or any other useful items for rescue dogs. Meanwhile Paws 4 Pets are sponsoring waterbowls and poop scoop bags for those taking part.
So, dig out those leads, grab some dog food and join in the fun, let your pet help those more unfortunate doggies have a better life.
Registration is from 10am, with the walk commencing at 11am. More information is available on the Cadela Carlotta Facebook event page or by calling Karen on 916 531 689.
Há Caracóis!
Every year in May, Castro Marim holds their annual Snail Festival (Festa do Caracol) but this year they changed it to the 3rd-6th July. However, all is not lost for this month.
São Brás will be holding their first Snail Festivalfrom the 24th to the 26th May, starting at 4pm and closing at 2am! With the beer flowing and the music playing, it promises to be lively. Don’t worry if you’re not close to São Brás, it’s the season of the snails so there’s bound to be a Festa do Caracol somewhere in your area: check your local Junta for information.
Mad for mopeds!
Finally, there is the 3rd annual meeting of the antique moped bikes (3º Encontro de Ciclomotores Antigos do Ameixial) in the picturesque village of Ameixial in Loulé on the 30thof May starting at 6pm and ending on 31st of May at 8pm. This involves, walking through the village, dancing, feasting and of course lots of music. Promoted by the Ameixialense sports club, it’s a must see for the moped aficionados. Here’s a clip from the first meeting in 2013:
So there you have it folks, as usual, just a tip of the iceberg of the fun, festivals, fairs and goings on in the Algarve in just one month. Next month will be the start of ‘the season’ and we can expect even more fun and games during the busiest time of the year. If you are organising an event and want to let the world know, tell Meravista about it and we’ll do the rest.
Also don’t forget! The Meravista Information section includes places to go, people to see, and activites continuing in this magical region all year long!
Things to do in the Algarve in May 2015
By Sun’s Dragon
However away from home there is plenty going on in the Algarve this month. Here is just a small selection of the many events and activities in May.
May Day! May Day!
No this is not a distress signal but a public holiday! Traditionally everybody “packs up the baby and grabs the old lady and everyone goes” (thanks Neil Diamond for those lyrics) on a picnic!
Yes, Labour Day is when the local population take the opportunity for a great family day out; into the hills, along the roadsides or on the beaches – its picnic time. Join right in and make lots of new friends – it’s fun.
Now if you want something more energetic for May Day, you can take part in the Ossónoba Trail running event. Estoi is where the trails start and finish, and there are three trails to choose from:
To find out more visit the website
It’s certainly a busy time for Estoi because on the 2nd May is the famous Festa da Pinha. The story goes that in the old days it was a dangerous trek from Estoi to Ludo where the local producers took their wares to sell. Brigands were all along the route and so the villagers went in convoy, with laden wagons and horse riders alongside to protect them.
Nowadays the wagons are decorated with palm leaves and flowers, filled with BBQ’s and beer and lots of locals cheering to the waiting crowds. Horse riders accompany them dressed in all their finery – and once they get to Ludo it’s time for the feast.
A few hours later the entire convoy makes its way back to Estoi, still partying on the wagons and enjoying hospitality from every bar along the way!
Once back in Estoi it’s time for more celebrations and fireworks. It’s a must-see event so come along and join in. Viva a Pinha!
There’s no let up because on the 3rd of May there’s the annual Spring Fair in São Brás organised by the Amigos de Museu (Friends of the Museum). From 11am until 4pm you can see and buy all the home grown produce, homemade cakes and see stalls filled with jewellery, crafts, cards and much more. There’s plenty of fun for the kids too and it’s a super family day out.
By the way, did you know that there’s a new regular Sunday Car boot sale starting up? The first one is on 3rd May from 10am until 7pm. Alcantarilha, Silves, is the location and for answers to any and all the questions you may have you can email Charles.
10th May is Mothers’ Day in Portugal and it’s time to let mum know how much you care. Restaurants will be booked up early, florists may run out, so be the early bird and plan ahead!
Algarve Showcase at O’Grady’s
O'Gradys 12 Bar is located in Quinta Da Figuerinha, Silves and they’ve come up with the brilliant and innovative idea of showcasing the talent to be found here in the Algarve.
This free event, which is open to the public, is aimed at hoteliers, restaurant and bar owners, entertainment managers and agents across the Algarve. All types of acts are invited to take part.
There’ll even be a special guest appearance by the up-and-coming singer songwriter Barry Tierney from Ireland, who will play a selection of tracks from his debut album Hotel Alamar.
This is an excellent opportunity to show off your special talents and get noticed and it’s a great chance for folks to enjoy a day out and being entertained for free! Check O’Grady’s Facebook page for more information or if you would like to perform at the Algarve Showcase.
Lazy Sunday Afternoon
Now on the 10th of May from 2pm is an event very close to my own heart and I do hope you can all make it. There’s to be “A Lazy Sunday Afternoon” street party in the village of Santa Barbara de Nexe at Julie’s Bar.
A kick-back and relax afternoon is on the cards, featuring live music from Twice as Nice plus an assortment of silly games to play or to watch, to get everyone in a great mood.
Try not to get thrown in jail on trumped up charges because it’ll cost you a Euro to get out again. A buffet will also be available, and will cost you just a €1 donation. Volunteers are welcome to bring a plate.
All this is in aid of The Bonzo Street Dog Gang to raise funds for these poor mites, and if you want to adopt or donate: just email for details of how to go about it. So, come along, kick back and enjoy.
Still for the Bonzo Street Dog Gang, the intrepid daredevil Colin Willis is taking on all challengers for a ‘best of 3 games’ of pool anywhere between Albufeira and Burgau. Up to €5 bet, Colin will double the winnings for the fund if you can beat him, or your challenge money goes to the fund if you lose. Email for more info if you fancy your chances against Colin – all for a good cause.
Salir’s Festa da Espiga
Salir is holding their annual Festa Da Espiga (Feast of the Espiga) on 14th May starting at 9am and closing on the 16th May at 11.55pm.
The three evenings will be divided up by Espiga Night, Popular Night and Youth Night respectively. There will be feasting, dancing, sporting events and much more.
The Portuguese people know how to celebrate in style so go along and see what’s on the agenda or check the website for more information.
Now this is something for wine lovers everywhere: from the 16th to the 18th May come to the VII Grande Mostra Vinhos de Portugal in Albufeira, with wine tasting sessions, cooking lessons with wine and the chance to discover some of Portugal’s wide variety of delicious wines.
Featuring wines of the Douro, Alentejo, Tejo and Estremadura regions, this is a great opportunity for your taste buds! It’s all happening at the Albufeira Multi-use Pavilion from 2.30pm until 8pm each day. Don’t miss it! Find out more on the website or the Facebook page.
Feeling blue?
The second Blues Festival in the Lethes Teatro in Faro is on the 22nd and 23rd of May. Ticket prices are to be announced but after the resounding success of last year, I’m sure they will be well worth the cost. Contact the ACTA group at Lethes Teatro for more information.
More dog stuff
Now here’s some good news and a heart warming story. Dr. Luis Aleixo - Municipal Vet for Silves Canil, is working at the grass-roots level to educate and support his community’s pets and strays and to build a sterilisation unit at the municipal clinic.
Dr. Luis has, with support from the Silves Câmara, has organised a Fun Dog Walk in Silves on May 24th to raise funds for this project. Cadela Carlota & Companhia - Associação de Protecção de Animais are joining in to raise awareness and to hopefully have some of their rescue dogs joining in the walk.
Volunteers are asked to walk the dogs from the Cadela Carlota association or to sponsor walkers. Dog owners are encouraged to join in too but are required (by law) to show their pet’s registration and vaccination records.
In lieu of a registration fee, sponsors and walkers can make a donation of food, blankets, flea pipettes or any other useful items for rescue dogs. Meanwhile Paws 4 Pets are sponsoring waterbowls and poop scoop bags for those taking part.
So, dig out those leads, grab some dog food and join in the fun, let your pet help those more unfortunate doggies have a better life.
Registration is from 10am, with the walk commencing at 11am. More information is available on the Cadela Carlotta Facebook event page or by calling Karen on 916 531 689.
Há Caracóis!
Every year in May, Castro Marim holds their annual Snail Festival (Festa do Caracol) but this year they changed it to the 3rd-6th July. However, all is not lost for this month.
São Brás will be holding their first Snail Festival from the 24th to the 26th May, starting at 4pm and closing at 2am! With the beer flowing and the music playing, it promises to be lively. Don’t worry if you’re not close to São Brás, it’s the season of the snails so there’s bound to be a Festa do Caracol somewhere in your area: check your local Junta for information.
Mad for mopeds!
Finally, there is the 3rd annual meeting of the antique moped bikes (3º Encontro de Ciclomotores Antigos do Ameixial) in the picturesque village of Ameixial in Loulé on the 30th of May starting at 6pm and ending on 31st of May at 8pm. This involves, walking through the village, dancing, feasting and of course lots of music. Promoted by the Ameixialense sports club, it’s a must see for the moped aficionados. Here’s a clip from the first meeting in 2013:
So there you have it folks, as usual, just a tip of the iceberg of the fun, festivals, fairs and goings on in the Algarve in just one month. Next month will be the start of ‘the season’ and we can expect even more fun and games during the busiest time of the year. If you are organising an event and want to let the world know, tell Meravista about it and we’ll do the rest.
Also don’t forget! The Meravista Information section includes places to go, people to see, and activites continuing in this magical region all year long!
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