Loulé Christmas will focus on sustainability
Loulé’s Christmas entertainment is just days away from starting with the arrival of Santa Claus to the town on Friday, December 1.
The white-bearded gift-bearer will make his appearance during a festive parade at 3pm, ending at the town’s ‘Aldeia dos Sonhos’ (Dream Village).
Santa will also be visiting Quarteira on Saturday (10am) and Almancil on Sunday (3pm).
As usual, the bulk of the municipality’s festivities will take place at ‘Aldeia dos Sonhos’, which will be divided into four years: Cerca do Convento, where visitors will be able to find the “ecological” ice rink and a tubing slope; the Cloisters, where the Christmas train stop will be located; Largo Afonso III, where visitors can experience tree climbing with a view of the nearby castle; and Largo de São Francisco, where a carousel will be located.
“Festive fanfares, Christmas music, entertainers, decorations, lights, food stalls offering traditional Christmas treats, hot chocolate, and spiced wine create a cosy atmosphere inspired by the Christmas markets in Northern Europe during this season,” says the local council.
The Christmas village will be open until January 6 from 10.30am to 7pm on Saturday and from 2.30pm to 7.30pm between Tuesday and Friday and on Sunday, closing on Monday.
Christmas will also be celebrated “by the sea” in Quarteira, where the ‘Praça Natal’ (Christmas Square) and ‘Rua Natal’ (Christmas Street), will feature Christmas markets and live entertainment. In Almancil, the festive season will also be celebrated with entertainment at Jardim das Comunidades.
Sustainability is also a key concern for the local council this year, which is why the festive events are focusing on using recycled materials. The borough’s Christmas lights will also only be lit on December 6 and will only be on from 5.30pm to 11.30pm.
The festive programme also features other highlights, such as Feira da Serra (December 8 to 10), New Year’s Eve celebrations in Quarteira (December 28 to January 1), and the serving of a giant ‘Bolo-rei’ (traditional Portuguese cake) in Loulé (January 6).
Making a return this year is ‘Um Natal Especial’ (A Special Christmas), a special campaign that will run until January 4 and involves handing out coupons to clients who spend a certain amount of money at local businesses. The coupons can then be filled out and handed in for the chance to win prizes.
michael.bruxo@portugalresident.com
