Staying true to tradition, Albufeira has announced its five-day programme of events for New Year’s, months ahead of the turn of the year.
There will be concerts, a stand-up comedy festival, a medieval fair and a parade featuring circus performers taking place in the borough, giving locals and visitors a multitude of things to do.
The highlight will, of course, be the New Year party which will begin at 9.30pm on December 31 at the town’s seaside square Praça dos Pescadores with a concert by Fernando Daniel, the winner of Portugal’s fourth ‘The Voice’ TV singing contest.
This will be followed by a DJ set by Rádio Comercial’s Wilson Honrado, which promises to keep people dancing until the firework shows which will begin at midnight at the square as well as Praia da Oura and Praia de Olhos de Água.
The party will continue into the night with a concert by award-winning Portuguese soul and funk band HMB.
But the New Year programme will officially start on December 28 with the stand-up comedy festival ‘Solrir’, which will feature a series of Portuguese comedians performing at the Palácio de Congressos at Herdade dos Salgados until the first day of 2019.
On December 29, Albufeira’s Avenida Sá Carneiro will be the setting for a ‘Star Parade’ featuring circus artists.
Last but not least, Paderne will be hosting its medieval fair, famous for its historical recreations, medieval feasts, art shows and a wealth of entertainment. The event begins on December 29 and continues until January 1.
Albufeira mayor José Carlos Rolo says the borough expects to welcome 150,000 people for the New Year celebrations and is calling on local businesses to stay open during this time.
