Albufeira’s New Year’s Eve party was a resounding success, featuring the largest drones show ever in Portugal
Albufeira is celebrating another massively successful New Year’s Eve programme, which attracted over 230,000 people to the Algarve tourist town.
‘Albufeira Carpe Nox’ has gained the reputation of one of Portugal’s largest New Year parties, with people travelling from all over the country and abroad to take part in the festivities.
The event began on December 30 with a special performance by Dino D’Santiago and music from DJ Ana Isabel Arroja. On New Year’s Eve, legendary Portuguese rock band Xutos & Pontapés took the stage, celebrating their 45th anniversary with an exclusive set. At midnight, the sky lit up with 500 synchronised drones, lasers, and fireworks, described as the “largest drone show ever in Portugal”.
Beyond the music, Carpe Nox included the Paderne Medieval festival and a Street Food International experience with chef Nuno Bergonse, with both events attracting thousands of visitors.
Albufeira mayor José Carlos Rolo has underlined the “extreme importance” of the event to the local economy.
“The Algarve and Albufeira in particular enjoyed excellent hotel occupation rates of around 90% between Christmas and New Year’s Eve,” the mayor said, highlighting the impact of such festivities on local businesses and restaurants.
