August has arrived and with it comes an endless supply of summer events designed to make the Algarve an even more appealing destination for the hundreds of thousands of tourists who come here seeking our sunshine and beaches.
From Portimão’s Sardine Festival to Lagoa’s Fatacil, Silves’ Medieval Fair and Loulé’s White Night party, there will certainly be no shortage of entertainment in the Algarve this month.
The Sardine Festival begins on Wednesday, August 7 and takes place along the town’s riverside, with local restaurants serving the traditional char-grilled sardines that are so popular accompanied by a salad and boiled potatoes. It ends on Sunday (August 11).
This won’t be the only event certain to attact foodies, as Olhão’s Seafood Festival begins on Friday (August 9) and runs until Tuesday (August 14). The six-day event gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy some of the freshest seafood that the region has to offer.
In Lagoa, no other event attracts as many people as Fatacil. The fair is a ‘summer classic’ for locals and returning visitors, famous for showcasing local traditions, businesses and food. This year, the event is celebrating its 40th anniversary between August 16 and 25, and to mark the occasion organisers will be offering two free tickets to anyone born on June 21 – the day when the first Fatacil was held in 1980.
One major highlight of August’s agenda is Silves’ Medieval Fair, which will take place between Friday, August 9 and Sunday, August 18 and is once again promising to attract thousands of people to the historic town. This year, the event will explore the town’s relationship with Vikings. Closer to the end of the month, Castro Marim will also be hosting its own Dias Medievais (August 28-31).
Other highlights include Folkfaro (August 17-25), an international folklore music festival; ESTAR (August 22-24), a theatre and street entertainment event taking place in Odeceixe and Aljezur; and Portimão’s International Masters Futsal (August 22-25), one of the biggest friendly futsal tournaments in the world.
Last but not least, Loulé will host its successful White Night party which aims to ‘bid farewell to summer’ on August 31. Everyone is encouraged to wear white as they enjoy the live music, entertainment and DJ sets that liven the town’s streets.
Information on these and other events can be found in ‘Guia Algarve’, a guide in Portuguese and English launched every month detailing what is going on in the Algarve (click here). The physical guide is also distributed for free at Faro Airport, hotels, travel agencies, rent-a-cars and golf courses.
michael.bruxo@algarveresident.com
