Events in the Algarve

The São Lourenço, Victoria Boulevard and Quinta do Lago calendar

In addition to the numerous events listed below, Sunny Algarve also have several special offers available to help you make the most of your holiday, whatever the season:

Algarve events calendar

With an average of 3000 hours of sunshine, the Algarve offers a wealth of all year round activities designed to make your holiday unforgettable, whether you are a golfer or not! Your holiday here can be as active and varied as you choose, with Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo offering a wide range of sports and leisure activities, catering for the whole family.

30 January 2011 - Festival Chouriço Querença

This festival takes place in honour of St. Luis (the protector of animals). Traditionally the families in inland Algarve raised a pig to sustain themselves through the year and asked St. Luis to keep it in good health. To thank the saint they offer their best homemade chouriço (spicy sausage). The festival includes a procession, musical entertainment and, of course, lots of homemade chouriço!

26 to 28 January 2011 - World Superbike & Supersport - Official Tests

For the third consecutive year the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (near Portimão) will host the official pre-season tests for the World Superbike and Supersport Championships from 26 to 28th of January. This championship is considered as one of the most competitive worldwide and innaugurated the circuit in 2008 and since then has been a regular event on AIA both in races and testings. This will be a great chance to see in action the teams that will enter both championships in 2011, but particularly Parkalgar Honda which will have 3 riders this year: Miguel Praia, Sam Lowes and James Ellison in decisive attack for the Supersport World title. The World Superbike & Supersport Championship starts at 27 February in Australia and will have its season finale in Portimão at 16th October, in a total of 13 races.

6 to 8 March 2011 - Carnival

One of the most colourful and busy events in the Algarve is CARNIVAL, which is a 3-day celebration, Sunday, Monday and culminating in the main event on Shrove Tuesday, this year it is held on the 6th, 7th and 8th of March. There is the main parade, including about 14 floats, depicting Portuguese satire, lots of music, samba dancing troupes and marching bands. This is all held on the main street in the centre of Loulé (Avenida José da Costa Mealha) and is only a 10/15 minute drive from Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo. It is recommended that you arrive early for this very popular event, which starts at 3:00 pm in the afternoon and it costs a few euros to gain entrance to the festivities.

24 to 27 March 2011 - WRC Vodafone Portugal Rally

Vodafone Rally de Portugal’s heart remains in Algarve, its home since 2007, but will feature a couple of stages in Lisbon this year, along with other stages in the Alentejo region of Portugal. These exciting and challenging stages, which include a mixture of open roads and technical and narrow sections, has the Algarve Stadium as the main focus of attention. Vodafone Rally de Portugal hosts the opening event for the new WRC Academy initiative for young drivers in identical Ford Fiesta R2s.

22 to 24 April 2011 - Easter Celebrations

Again, in the town of Loulé, Easter Sunday marks the beginning of the celebrationsof Mãe Soberana (Feast of the Sovereign Mother), who is the patron saint of Loulé. Thousands of people line the streets of Loulé to watch the procession and join in what is known as the 'Festa Pequena' (24th April 2011), the small feast. The 'Festa Grande' takes place 2 weeks later (8th May 2011).

2 June 2011- Festa da Espiga

Festa da Espiga in Salir is a traditional festival on the Feast of Ascension (40 days after Easter). "Espiga" is an arrangement of ears of wheat (or other cereal) to symbolize abundance mixed with poppies, roses, daisies and marigolds to symbolize the beauty of the countryside and an olive branch for peace and hung inside of the house where it will stay until changed for a "new" espiga the following year. Folkgroups, a parade, music, local delicacies and fun for all the family make a special celebration.

22 to 25 June 2011 - Festival Med

Festival Med is normally held in June and Loulé again plays host to the thousands of people who come for one of the most important cultural entertainment events in the Algarve. There is a diverse range of music, culture, street entertainment, theatre, exhibitions, food and Mediterranean inspired craftwork and the Festival Med celebrates all that is good about living in this corner of the World.

If you're planning a holiday around an event in the Algerve, you might want to view some of the other tourist attractions available, such water and theme parks, walks and tours, shopping facilities, eating out and more.

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