Open Media Group celebrates milestone anniversaries

Photo: Hélio Ramos

The publishing group held a special celebration for Essential’s 25th and Barlavento’s 50th anniversaries

The Algarve-based publishing group Open Media recently celebrated two major milestones: the 50th anniversary of Barlavento, its Portuguese-language newspaper, and the 25th anniversary of its luxury lifestyle magazines under the Essential umbrella.

Some of the members of Open Media

The landmark celebrations were held at the luxurious Vila Vita Parc resort in Porches. The event brought together some 120 guests, including local politicians, business leaders, and tourism professionals.

Cocktail party on the terrace

Festivities began with a cocktail reception on the terrace, where guests enjoyed canapés and sparkling wine from local producer João Clara. This was followed by a seated dinner in the resort’s grand ballroom.

Bruce Hawker, Founder and CEO of the Open Media Group, addressing guests

As the evening progressed, Open Media founder and CEO Bruce Hawker took to the stage to reflect on the legacy of the two publications. He paid tribute to Barlavento’s late founder, Hélder Nunes, who started the newspaper single-handedly in 1975 at just 26 years old. Nunes, who passed away last year, was remembered for his pioneering spirit and dedication to local journalism.

Cocktail party on the terrace

Bruce Hawker noted that Barlavento joined the Open Media portfolio in 2014, complementing the group’s English-language newspaper, the Portugal Resident. He then shared highlights from the 25-year journey of Essential Algarve, which launched in 2000 and has since expanded with editions in Lisbon, Madeira, and even Asia.

The evening’s dinner paid homage to the culinary richness of the Algarve. Vila Vita Parc’s talented team of chefs served a menu of regional specialties including cured mackerel, razor clam rice, Monchique black pork, and almond tart with orange sorbet. The courses were paired with fine Algarve wines from producers Morgado do Quintão, Arvad, Barranco Longo and João Clara.

Article originally published by Alexandra Stilwell on Portugal Resident.