Algarve publishing group celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Barlavento newspaper alongside the 25th anniversary of the Essential lifestyle magazines
Algarve-based publishing group Open Media celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Portuguese newspaper Barlavento and the 25th anniversary of the Essential magazines, the group’s iconic lifestyle publications.
The quarter-century and half-century milestones were celebrated at an event held at the luxurious Vila Vita Parc resort in Porches. Some 120 guests, including local politicians, business leaders and tourism professionals, attended the celebration.
The event began with a cocktail party on the terrace where canapés and sparkling wine from local producer João Clara were served followed by a dinner in the resort’s grand ballroom.
As guests settled into their seats, Open Media Founder and CEO Bruce Hawker stepped onto the stage to reflect on the history of the two celebrated publications, highlighting the late founder of Barlavento, Helder Nunes, who in 1975 single-handedly started the newspaper at just 26 years old.
The Portuguese language publication joined Open Media alongside the group’s English-language newspaper, the Portugal Resident, just over a decade ago in 2014. Bruce then shared the Essential magazines’ 25-year journey, which began in the Algarve in 2000 and expanded to other regions, including Lisbon, Madeira and Asia.
In a celebration of the best of the Algarve, Vila Vita Parc’s talented team of chefs served a menu featuring regional specialities such as cured mackerel, razor clam rice, black pork from Monchique and almond tart with orange sorbet for dessert, paired with Algarve wines from producers Morgado do Quintão, Arvad, Barranco Longo and João Clara.
Photos: HÉLIO RAMOS
