Weekend happenings in the Algarve

It all happened in the Algarve this past weekend, from sport to cuisine complimented perfectly by art and music.

Faro hosted two days of physical exercise in the Garden Manuel Bivar with the initiative "Faro Activo - Mexa-se." On the 19th and 20th of September from 10.00 to 22.00, people had the opportunity to take part in various exercises such as scuba diving, rock climbing, canoeing and even pilotes.

Also in Faro a lucky audience was treated to the best of Fado at the Theater Figuras on the 19th as Rui Alves Baeta and Ruben sang Amalia Rodrigues. The Teatro das Figuras will also be the place to be as Norwegian indie pop outfit ‘My Little Pony’ Perform on the 23rd at 21:30.
There was More music in Faro, on the 18th, with the project "Chocolate" by Maria Joao & Mario Laginha, at the Center for the Performing Arts in the Algarve (CAPA).
There was a treat for the theater lovers in Portimao with the play "Hedda Gabler" at TIME - Municipal Theater of Portimao on the 18th and 19th. TIME-Municipal Theater of Portimao will also be open for the photo exhibition "Nexu" by John Mariano, and can be visited from Tuesday to Saturday, between 14:00 and 19:00.

The adrenaline junkies got their fix with the FIA GT Championship and GP2 Series at The International Speed Circuit of the Algarve in Portimao, between the 18th and 20th.

Also in Portimao; The International Game Fishing Championship, between the 18th and 20th of September.

Equestrian fans took their seats for the International Jumping Competition in Lagos, Western Algarve, at the Equestrian Center of Belmonte, from the 18th - 20th September.

The Belle Jour Jazz quartet performed at the Governor's Castle in Loule, Central Algarve, on the 18th.

Multicultural music & food was in abundance in Olhao, in the Eastern Algarve, with the “Festival Intercultural Olhares sem Preconceitos (Intercultural Festival: Perspectives without prejudices) from the 18th to the 20th of September at the Jardim Pescador Olhanense with countries such as Brazil, Cape Verde, India, Ukraine and Portugal represented.

There was more! But instead of us telling you everything we would suggest you take a trip to the Algarve for a weekend and experience it for yourself.

By Ricardo Santo

Algarve football team almost causes an upset.

I am a Sporting Lisbon supporter, so yesterday I turned off my computer, put on my green and white striped shirt, grabbed my scarf and made my way to the Alvalade stadium to watch my boys play against Olhanense who are the only team in the Liga Sagres that represents the Algarve. I was not disappointed, what a game! The young Algarve team can be very proud. In front of the large group of passionate away fans they took an early 2-0 lead. Sporting then came back and leveled the game at 2-2, all of this in the first half! The 2nd half was an intense affair and the Algarve team looked as though they might come away with a point until Sporting scored the winner in the 86th minute to break Olhanense hearts.

Obviously I was thrilled with the result but the young team from the Eastern Algarve played some enterprising football pushing one of Portugal’s biggest teams right until the end. They should make their way south with their heads held high and take confidence in a great performance that proved they are a team to watch this season.

By Dylan Herholdt

New Algarve Airport

If all goes to plan, there will be a new airport in the Algarve. Faro airport cannot expand due to its geographic position within the Ria Formosa Natural Park in the Eastern Algarve. With this in mind Loule mayor Seruca Emidio submitted plans for the future Loule Aerodrome, it is believed that this new airport will relieve Faro airport of more than 15% of its air traffic.

Loule is the perfect location for a new airport, based in the Central Algarve which is home to a lot of the Algarve’s golf courses and luxury resorts. The new airport will cost around 35 million and will provide more jobs and more exposure to a region that is already popular.

Portimao hosts Global Ocean Race 2011

Portugal will host another global ocean race in 2011. With Portimao being the starting point, international competitors will compete with one another to see who will be the 1st team to get around the world during the 5 day spectacle.

20 teams from the UK, America, New Zealand, South Africa, USA and elsewhere will start from the Western Algarve city and will take to international waters with stop offs in Cape Town then Wellington and finally back to Portimao.

The Algarve . . . truly international

By Ricardo Santo

New football stadium in the Algarve

On the 4th of September the lights were turned on as a beautiful new stadium was revealed in the Algarve. The proud club of S.C. Olhanense enjoys a large following in the Algarve, including more than 200 expats. So it was with happy hearts that the loyal fans got to see the unveiling of their new home ground which now includes a new stand, a new roof, additional seating on the existing stands, an immaculate playing surface, hospitality boxes, a new bar and a lovely mural with pictures of the fans.

The new stadium is just another step in the overall development of the area in the Eastern Algarve as the Marina is renovated and the construction of the 5 star hotel goes ahead. In addition the new improved stadium and facilities have been constructed to keep the club in the top flight of Liga Sagres.

The first league game in the new stadium was played against Academica from Coimbra and the home team started life in their new home very well as they came away with a 2-1 victory.

Next up for the Algarve outfit is a daunting trip to Sporting Lisbon.

New five star hotel in the Eastern Algarve

Olhão in the Eastern Algarve will receive a boost in the form of a 5 star hotel come May 2010. Olhão is located in one of the most beautiful regions in the Algarve famous for the stunning Ria Formosa, islands and beaches. Like its Eastern Algarve neighbors Tavira and Fuzeta, Olhão has also managed to hold onto its authentic Portuguese character and culture.

The region will now receive a huge boost as a result of this new development that will include 114 rooms and the renovation of the riverside marina and the Ria Formosa Polis project. This is good news for people who own villas or apartments in the region as property value is set to increase as a result of the new project.

Rosh Hashanah celebrated in the Algarve

The Algarve’s Jewish community will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah in Portimao on the 18th of September. People from surrounding areas in the Western Algarve will gather together and enjoy a buffet feast of traditional Jewish foods such as herring, challah, chopped liver and gefilte fish, as well apples dipped in honey symbolizing a year of goodness.

Another example of diversity and acceptance in the Algarve.

To all our Jewish friends we say “Leshanah tovah tikatevu”

Hollywood, Algarve version

Five sound-proof studios, an outdoor filming area and a module capable of housing 60 production companies will start construction in the first quarter of 2010.

In a statement to the Lusa News Agency, Artur Curado, of "Picture Portugal," explained that "the master plan submitted [on Thursday night] will be validated in October and the aim is to begin construction "in February or March next year to be ready in January 2011.

The executive staff of "Picture Portugal" presented the first model of the complex - the building to be held next to the Portimao Arena Pavilion,in the Western Algarve in Portugal - at a dinner attended by the international consultants involved in the project.

Besides the studio of 11,600m2 and the outer external filming area of more than one hectare which includes a tank for underwater filming, the complex will also feature warehouses, workshops and a building with three floors used for editing services, special effects, image labs and screening rooms.

The first phase also includes the construction of a "backlot", which means an additional area for outside filming and production of more than 15 hectares, in Alvor, near the International Circuit of the Algarve.

The "backlot" will have different iconic structures like replicas of the Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids in Cairo and Times Square.

Also in the pipe line is an amusement park and a technology center. The investment in this case could reach three billion Euros and create seven thousand jobs.

By Ricardo Santo

Restoration in the Western Algarve

Sagres in the Western Algarve is set to become even better after it was announced that the government is to allocated €8 million to the restoration and renovation of the fortress, surrounding buildings and museums.

The Sagres fortress is the most visited monument in the Algarve and receives over 500,000 visitors a year and in addition to the repairs being made, the local auditorium will also be upgraded with a state of the art multimedia system.

This is all part of a renewed effort to recognize the history and culture of the Algarve.

Sea food in the Algarve

Mountains of cockles, rice, porridge, patties or natural clams, all these delicacies can be found at the Festival do Berbigao (as in Cockle Festival) in Figueira, Portimao in the Western Algarve.

The Multisport pavilion of Figueira is the venue chosen for the event where the cockle is king. On the 12th and 13th of September one will be able to taste the different ways to cook this bivalve, and traditional treat of the Algarve as well as other culinary delights.

The festival opens its doors between 7pm and 1am The entertainment program includes dance with Victor and Edgar and a show with singer Rebecca on the first day. On Sunday, the crowd will be entertained by Banda Atlantis, which will be followed by the likes of Friends of Figueira and a concert with the Banda Lusa.

The entrance fee is only 3 Euros, complete with a saucer of cockles.

Algarve, never a dull moment.

By Ricardo Santo

Now for something completely differen in Tavira

Playing soccer with a bike? Artistic cycling? This is not something one would usually associate with the Algarve. However, athletes will be competing for the World title in these 2 events in Tavira, in November.

Between the 6th and 8th of November in the Sports Pavilion Eduardo Mansinho in Tavira, for the second time in Portugal, the first time was in Madeira.

This event will be played by two distinct modes, both still little known in Portugal: the Artistic Cycling and Cycle Ball, the first "is like figure skating and the second is a form of football cycling”, said Artur Lopes, President of the Cycling Federation, during the presentation of the event.

"This is an international league, and we hope it makes it mark on the event calendar of the Eastern Algarve, "said the head of the Regional Authority for Tourism of the Algarve.

by Ricardo Santo

Painting and Jazz in Tavira

The Casa do Povo de Santo Estevao de Tavira – CPSE returns of with an exhibition of work by Colin Howe, and jazz, with a performance by Luis Monteiro, Heike Brockmann and David Gausden.

The painting exhibition of Colin Howe’s recent Work marks the return of the CPSE in Santo Estevao (Tavira) to cultural activities. The inauguration is on the 12th of September at 22h00 at the main area of the Casa do Povo building.

Soon after, the jazz music will fill in the corners, as the concert takes over.

Colin Howe was born in England in 1949 and has received numerous distinctions, including the "Chromacolour International Prize for best watercolor technique”. He currently lives and works in Olhao, Eastern Algarve.

The show, which is a partnership between the CPSE and the Casa 5 - Association of Visual Arts, will be open until the 31st of December.

Admission is free.

By Ricardo Santo

Alot happening in the Algarve this weekend

Live music is not the only entertainment available in the Algarve this weekend, we show you why the Algarve has a little bit of everything . . .

Faro, in the Eastern Algarve, celebrates the Day of the City, includes a concert by Iris accompanied by Rockestra Ensemble and Petrov on the 6th, at 22.00, and Joana Rios, accompanied by Rui Baeta on the 7th, at 21.30 in the Dock Stage.

Also in Faro; The Horse Fair from the 4th to the 7th of September.
The Theater in Faro presents "Canto Nono" by ACTA – Theater Company of the Algarve, on the 5th, 22.00, at Downtown Faro.

Still in Faro, music and the Choir and Symphony Orchestra "Joven Sanlúcar La Mayor Sevilla, the 5th, at 21:30, at Teatro das Figuras.

Festa dos Pescadores (as in Fisherman Holidays) in Albufeira from 4th to 6th September, at 18:00 in Praça dos Pescadores (as in Fishermen's Square). On the 4th, the music comes from Quim Barreiros and on the 6th it’s time from Portuguese pop legend Jose Cid.

In Tavira it will be The Stock fair, on 5th and 6th of September, between 18.00 and 23.00, at Rua do Cais.

At the Cinema in Tavira, with the movie "The Limits of Control" by Jim Jarmusch. The session of the film society of Tavira is on the 6th, at 21.30, in the Antonio Pinheiro theater.

In Vila do Bispo, Agroexpo - International Economic Activities, Travel, Food, Crafts and Livestock, until 6 September.

Fashion in Portimao, Western Algarve with "Mini Fashion Look" on the 4th, and "Fashion Look" on the 5th, both around 22:00, at Alameda da Praca da Republica.

For the football lovers, Futsal in Portimao (indoor soccer/ football), for the National Super Cup Final played between Benfica and Belenenses, the 6th , at 16.00 in the Portimao Arena.

Photography,in Portimao, the International Exhibition of Photography, from 5th to 19th September in the Riverside area.

In Alcoutim, the photo exhibition "Andaluzia: Perspectives on Andaluzia, Algarve and Alentejo, Antonio Perez, from 4 to 30 September, at the Casa dos Condes. The exhibition is open from Monday to Friday, between 09:00 and 18:00.

The theater in Olhao presents "Auto da India", by ACTA, on the 4th at 15.00 in the Auditorium of Olhao.

At the Olhao cinema with the movie "Guerrilha" by Steven Soderbergh. The screening is on the 8th , at 21:30 in Room 3 of Cinalgarve in Ria Shopping.

Finally, in Moncarapacho (Olhao), "Aquarela do Brazil", with lectures, dance and a craft fair, on 5th and 6th of September, from 15:00 in the Cas do Povo of Olhao.

By Ricardo Santo

Portugals biggest 'chill out' event in the Algarve

‘Noite Branca’ or ‘White Night’ is widely considered the biggest chill out event in Portugal and was once again held on the 29th of August, in Loule, in the Western Algarve.

The event was a huge success, over 20 000 people turned up for the spectacle, everyone dressed in white as the streets of Loule for one night was transformed into a different world.

Over 150 artists of various mediums took to the streets entertaining guests with paint exhibits, fashion shows, fire breathers and the unique plastic art with people walking around in bubbles . . . interesting!

The main street of Loule was converted into a huge chill out lounge giving people the opportunity to relax on couches and bean bags under the open sky. A selection of local and international DJ’s kept the music playing and kept people dancing until the early hours of the morning.

What a way to end the month . . .

by Dylan Herholdt

Sound Fusion in Lagos, Western Algarve

Catch the last two nights of ‘Sound Fusion’, the music event held at the Cultural Center in Lagos in the Western Algarve.

The band Andersen Moliere will perform on September the 2nd. The music of Andersen Moliere ranges from past to present. Their troubadour style of music often surprises audiences with melodies that touch on folk and rock.

The Salamat Trio (pictured above), will finish the event on the 9th and is made up of two musicians and a dancer; they present audiences with a wonderful display of music and dance from Egypt, Morocco, Greece, Lebanon and Syria.

Concerts are held at 22:00 and entrance is free.

The Algarve . . . a fusion of only good things

By Ricardo Santo

Direct Flights between Scandinavian countries and the Algarve

The Algarve and Scandinavia have just got closer. Saturday the 15th of August saw the inaugural flight from Copenhagen, Denmark, direct to Faro airport via Scandinavian airline ‘Norwegian’.
In addition, Norwegian introduced a route between Faro and Stockholm, Sweden. A third route was also added from Faro to Oslo, Norway.

The Copenhagen flight operates every Saturday leaving Faro, Eastern Algarve, at 8h10 and returning the same day at 12h30, Oslo flights also operate on Saturdays as well as Thursdays while Stockholm flights operate Saturdays and Tuesdays.

Travellers from Scandinavian countries can now enjoy direct flights away from the snow,
to the scorching Algarve weather and glorious beaches . . . pack your sun screen