Do you have a broken toaster, torn jeans or a wobbly bike? Instead of throwing them away, Algarve residents are being invited to fix them.
Repair Café Algarve will return next month to Loulé, offering free help, practical skills and a fresh take on cutting waste.
Organised by the non-profit association Benfazer, the event will take place at the Armazém da Antiga Oficina do Carnaval, on Rua Dom Leonor de Milão, on March 28 and March 29, from 10am to 8pm.
Visitors are invited to bring damaged items and learn how to repair them with the help of volunteer experts. Small household appliances, bicycles, clothing and toys are all welcome. As organisers explain, the goal is not just to fix objects, but to teach practical skills that help extend their lifespan.
Those wishing to repair an item must submit a request through the event website, describing the problem in detail. The team will assess whether the repair is possible and send confirmation with a scheduled date and time. On the day, participants bring their item and work side by side with a volunteer technician during the repair.
Alongside the repair stations, the event will host do-it-yourself workshops, debates, talks and live demonstrations, creating a space for learning and sharing ideas.
One of the main attractions is the swap market. Participants can bring up to 10 clean, good-condition items such as clothing, books, toys or shoes. For each item delivered, they receive one credit, up to a maximum of 10 credits. These credits can then be used to choose up to 10 new items from the market stalls.
A creative sewing and styling team will also be on hand to help transform garments. Whether it is a tired shirt or torn trousers, visitors can learn how to repair, adapt or reinvent pieces brought from home or found at the swap.
The event also features an exhibition area showcasing brands and projects focused on reducing waste. Exhibitors will present solutions in four key areas: durable goods such as textiles, furniture and electronics; food systems from farm to table; sustainable graphic materials for advertising and publishing; and packaging solutions aimed at eliminating single-use plastic.
Even the event’s food area will reflect its values. The food court will offer 100% plant-based dishes, including pea burgers, sweet potato pies, seitan dishes and skewers. All tableware will be compostable, with no plastic used.
The event will be free to visit. More information can be found online.
