Forthcoming events in the Algarve

In addition to the many smaller fiestas held in each local area there are some major international events held in the Algarve, some of which we mention below.

Algarve Annual Events 2008

There are many events, particularly in the summer most of which have not been announced for 2008 yet.  Here area a few samples of What’s on in the Algarve. We will, course, be constantly updating this calendar.

February 2008 

Loulé Carnival with many lively events including parades with floats, fancy dress and parties.  This event has recently been revamped and in now very popular.

April 2008

Windsurfing Grand Prix held in Portimao – in 2007 this international competition was held between 30 April – 6 May.

May 2008 

The annual Algarve Film Festival is based in Portimão.  It focuses on a short film competition and awards are give for different categories of film. The festival also puts on a number of regional screenings and presentations, the details of which vary every year. Usually, the following Algarve towns participate: Lagos, Portimão, Alvor, Monchique, Lagoa, Mexilhoeira da Carregação, Mexilhoeira Grande, Silves, Messines, Albufeira, Guia, Loulé, Faro, Olhão and Tavira, along with Sabóia, Milfontes and Ourique in the Alentejo.

June 2008

Loule hosts the Med Festival each year late in June lasting about 5 days it covers gastronomy. Music with concerts, workshops, handicrafts and more, all with the Mediterranean theme.  More details will be posted as they are announced.

July 2008

Loule hosts an annual Jazz festival with shows every weekend in July and attracts many international names.  Details to be updates in due course.

Late July in Portimao on the Praia do Alvor beach will see the Kitesurf World Championships – in 2007 this event was held between 23 – 28 July.  The worlds finest surfers perform some spectacular manoeeuvers.

August 2008

Festival do Marisco (seafood festival) is held at Jardim do Pescador Olhanese in Olhão there are stalls, folk dancing and singing to entertain visitors while they dine on locally specialities, there are also concerts featuring international artists.

Grand Champions Tennis - Every August, some of the great names in the world of tennis can be found at Vale de Lobo where they come to play in the Grand Champions event. Over the four days that the Grand Champions tournament lasts, Vale do Lobo will be playing host to tennis fans from all over Europe, who will certainly find in this luxury resort next to one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches everything they could possibly need to enjoy the holiday of their dreams.

The Nations Cup of Portugal – usually held at the end of August and beginning of September.  The best Amateur Golf teams in Europe participate in a week of competition in the Vale do Lobo.  More details will be posted when dates are confirmed.

September 2008

Usually held at the end of September - the Powerboat P1 – World Championships are held at Praia da Rocha beach in Portimao.  This is a spectacle of speed with boats reaching up to 160km per hour across the open waters (an equivalent land speed of 320km).

October 2008

Jazz Festival held in the Congress Centre in Angra do Heroismo, Terceira usually the first weekend of October.

The date and location for the 2nd Portugal Masters is still to be announced.  2007 saw the inaugural of the Masters being held in Portugal and is now established as an important stop on the PGA Golf Tour circuit.