From time travel to food festivals to Christmas cheer, find out what is happening this winter in the Algarve
‘Tis the season for celebration! If you are feeling festive and want a head start in getting into the holiday spirit, the Algarve hosts several Christmas Markets for all things merry and bright.
The 10th annual Vale do Lobo Charity Christmas Market is an indoor celebration for the whole family. Set for December 7, from 10am to 5.30pm, the event will benefit the Wolf Valley Charity Fund, with donations supporting multiple causes in the local area. The event invites guests to explore products from exhibitors while sampling gourmet cuisine (including vegetarian options), enjoying live entertainment and much more. Local businesses and vendors will have a variety of crafts, wines, flowers/plants, Christmas trees, baked goods, toys, jewellery and more available for purchase so visitors can tackle Christmas shopping while spreading some holiday cheer. www.valedolobo.com
But there is more to do in the region than Christmas shopping. As winter welcomes the quieter season for the Algarve, the peaceful atmosphere provides the perfect opportunity to explore events happening in the area. Thanks to the “365 Algarve: Every Day Counts” cultural programme, you will find that every day has something new to offer. From spotting street art in Lagos to enjoying jazz in the cellars of Silves, there is plenty to keep you entertained. Here are several upcoming events to mark on your calendars.
Street Art Lab aims to guide participants through the colourful world of urban art in Lagos. This visual arts activity will take guests on a journey to marvel at murals from some of the most representative artists of the contemporary panorama of urban art. Participants will be guided by a guest artist to explore the cultural, historical and artistic importance of each piece, and guests are encouraged to uncover hidden meanings behind the works of art. Priced at €15, the tours are set for December 7 and January 25, from 10am to 12pm and 3pm to 5pm. www.lac.org.pt
Part of the Forgotten Food Festival — the Pathways to Harvest and Cook focuses on family vegetables gardens and crop lands, giving guests the chance to harvest and cook with traditional ingredients. Participants will be guided by local hosts around the crop site to learn about the history, products and ways of life. Guests will harvest certain ingredients and then use these to cook a traditional Algarvean seasonal recipe, which will be enjoyed by all at the end of the experience. Taking place in Tôr, Loulé, the experience begins at 10.30am on December 8. Tickets are €15 (including the meal), available at www.bol.pt.
On December 14 and January 11, The Algarve — An Educated Journey will take guests on a trip through Portugal’s past to learn all about Algarve, including the region’s history, heritage, customs, traditions, music and more. The educational journey includes a theatrical performance, live music, a handicraft workshop, and even a ride in a vintage VW van so guests can really get a taste of the time-travelling experience. On December 14, the event’s location will be Sede da Associação Patrimonial do Algoz in Silves, and on January 11, the location will be Centro Educativo do Cerro d’Ouro in Albufeira. Tickets are €10-€20 and include transportation. www.happyvan.pt
The 4th edition of Jazz in the Wineries combines the arts of jazz music and winemaking throughout 24 unique sessions between October 2019 to May 2020. The events feature performances from various jazz musicians held at different wineries in Silves. Throughout the event, there will be three wine tastings and regionally inspired tapas offered for guests to enjoy alongside the music. During the weekend of January 17, Trio Rui Caetano will be the performing musical group, followed by The Dixie Lab for the weekend of January 24 and then UALG Jazz during the weekend of January 31. www.cm-silves.pt
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