Vila Real de Santo António will host all kinds of events and activities this summer
Dozens of events promising fun for people of all ages and tastes are part of Vila Real de Santo António’s summer agenda, which runs from July to September.
From concerts and film screenings to thematic parties, markets and sports events, the eastern Algarve municipality is promising something for everyone.
Festivities will begin next week with ‘Noites da Moura Encantada’ (Nights of the Enchanted Moorish Maiden), which will be held between July 12 and 14 in Cacela Velha. The event explores the Moorish past of the seaside village, whose “nooks and crannies” promise to “transport visitors to the fascinating world of One Thousand and One Nights, providing a unique cultural experience in a stunning setting”.
July and August will see the historic centre of Vila Real de Santo António come alive with themed parties, aimed at breathing life into the heart of town. Highlights include the Glow Party (July 13), Flamenco Night (August 2-3), Blue Night (August 16), and the Bye Bye Summer Party (August 23) at Praça Marquês de Pombal, featuring concerts, DJ performances, and a variety of shows. Meanwhile. Monte Gordo will host an 80s Party (July 20) and a White Night (August 17), adding to the municipality’s summer festive spirit.
Fans of cinema will also have something to look forward to, with free screenings taking place every Wednesday at 9.30pm at the Avenida da República garden (VRSA), Casablanca square (Monte Gordo) and old cemetery (Cacela Velha) starting July 27.
Sons no Jardim and Guadiana Jazz will cater to music lovers, taking place at the Avenida da República garden set against the scenic backdrop of the Guadiana River. Throes and The Shine (July 19) and Capitão Fausto (August 24) will be the headlining acts of Sons no Jardim, while Hispanistán (July 21) and Azar Azar (August 18) will take the Guadiana Jazz stage. There will also be an homage to classical music with ‘Clássica em Cacela’ on August 8 and 22 at Cacela Velha’s old cemetery, while famous Portuguese pop star Bárbara Tinoco will take the stage of the António Aleixo cultural centre on September 28.
For younger generations, the borough will be hosting a Youth Festival on August 10 in VRSA, August 11 in Manta Rota and August 12 in Monte Gordo, featuring sporting activities, beach games, urban art, concerts and DJ performances.
Also planned are the usual handicraft and regional product fairs that will be held in every parish of the municipality, as well as the folklore festivals and popular celebrations which will honour local patron saints, starting with the festivities in honour of N.ª Sra. da Assunção in Cacela Velha (August 14-17) and continuing with the São João da Degola celebrations in Manta Rota (August 25-29), ending with a Holy Bath and a concert by Luciana Abreu. In VRSA, the N.ª Sra. da Encarnação celebrations (August 30 – September 1) will include a performance by Syro and a fireworks display on September 1. Monte Gordo will host the N.ª Sra. das Dores celebrations (September 4-15), featuring Miguel Azevedo (September 7) and Rosinha (September 8), followed by a “spectacular fireworks show” in the bay.
Residents and visitors who prefer to keep active will also be able to choose from a selection of nighttime walks and other events that promote physical activity, such as the 25th edition of the Monte Gordo Bay Run. The event will take place on August 4 at 9.30am, challenging participants along a coastal route between Manta Rota and Monte Gordo. Meanwhile, the VRSA sports complex will host various tennis and padel competitions throughout the summer.
Every event held outdoors is free except for the ‘Clássica em Cacela’ concerts.
