Autumn fairs have become synonymous with the smell of roasted chestnuts
It’s that time of year again when towns across the Algarve come to life with their autumn fairs, popular for their selection of daring rides, merchants selling a wide range of items, and mouthwatering seasonal snacks such as roasted chestnuts.
With Faro’s Feira de Santa Iria (Santa Iria Fair) still in full swing until October 27, the western Algarve is set to welcome its first autumn fair on October 30 as Silves hosts its Feira de Todos os Santos (All Saints Fair) until November 3 at Sítio do Encalhe between 2pm and midnight. This year, the Silves fair will have a new layer of entertainment as several music performances are planned throughout the event.
The performances will begin with a ‘I Love the 90’s’ party at 9pm on Halloween evening (October 31), followed by two performances on each remaining day: D’abalada (3pm) and Augusto Canário (5pm) on November 1; Ricardo Neto (6pm) and Silk Road (9pm) on November 2; and Brasa Doirada (3pm) and Iran Costa (5pm) on November 3.
The fair will also feature all the usual things that visitors have come to expect, from stalls selling everything from clothing, toys and bric-à-brac to rides, carousels, and food trucks.
Festivities will move over to the neighbouring borough of Portimão between November 8 and 17 for the 361st edition of the town’s Feira de São Martinho (Saint Martin’s Fair).
Held at the local fairground, the autumn fair has become synonymous with the smell of roasted chestnuts and octopus, which are among the most beloved snacks of the autumn season. But there is much more to look forward to, starting with the panoply of rides which range from fun carousels and bumper cars for children to more daring options for those with a thirst for adrenaline. The event would not be complete without the long rows of stalls, selling everything from clothing to sweets.
As in previous editions, there will be two themed days, the first offering special prices for children and young people to celebrate Youth Day on November 13, while the fair’s closing day on November 17 will be dedicated to families, with special prices offered at all participating spaces.
Additionally, the Portimão Arena will host a car exhibition, which will feature a wide range of new and used cars.
There will also be no monthly market in November, which will return on December 2, nor the usual Antiques Fair, which will be back on December 1 and 15.
Meanwhile, Lagos will hold its annual autumn fair Feira Franca from November 22 to 24 on land near the Municipal Stardium.
By MICHAEL BRUXO
