The Algarve’s traditional seasonal festivities kick off this weekend with satirical floats, flamboyant fancy dress and masquerade balls.
The Algarve is gearing up to celebrate Carnival in style. From east to west, towns and cities are organising celebrations for all ages. In Loulé, the oldest parade in the country will draw thousands of revellers on March 2, 3, and 4. The festivities, featuring floats and performances by samba groups, dancers, and giants, will enliven the Avenida José da Costa Mealha with a burst of colour.
Children will kick off the season’s celebrations in Faro with the traditional schools’ carnival parade on February 27. The event, which promises to enliven the city’s main thoroughfares, will see the enthusiastic participation of hundreds of children, gathering in the Manuel Bivar Garden at 10h00. Participants will parade through the city centre towards Praça da Pontinha, passing along Rua de Santo António.
Portimão will celebrate Carnival with the theme of “Sustainability”. The entertainment will feature balls, matinees, street performances, and allegorical parades, ensuring enjoyment for all. The grand opening parade will take place on February 28, between 10h00 and 11h30, starting at Praça da República and proceeding along Rua Direita towards Largo 1º de Maio. On March 4, the Parade of Floats will take place along Portimão’s riverside area starting at 15h00, featuring 13 vehicles adorned with themes related to sustainability, along with the participation of nine community groups.
In the municipality of Lagos, Odiáxere will be celebrating Carnival between March 1 and 5, with an abundance of parades, floats, concerts, dances, food and drinks, entertainment for children, and concerts. This year, the highlight of the “Carnaval de Odiáxere” will be a performance by popular singer Quim Barreiros.
