Famous Loulé Carnival will start this February 24, with a twist

Loulé’s historical Carnival celebrations are not yet returning in full force, but the occasion will still be celebrated, starting this February 24 and until March 3, with streets filled with decorative elements.

Largo Afonso III will have a carnival bus, whilst Cerca do Convento and Largo de S. Francisco will be decorated to remind the visitors of the famous and grandiose carnivals of years past, as Loulé has always been the land of Carnival, for around 116 years.

Starting on Saturday morning (10am-5.30pm) and until Sunday (2pm-5.30pm), the Avenida José da Costa Mealha will feature a “Carnival Market” (Mercadinho de Carnaval), with dozens of handicrafts stands and local producers selling their products, bringing the Algarve mountain traditions to the city.

On February 27 and March 1, a bus playing Carnival music with an entertainment group will drive by the main streets of Loulé.

The traditional Carnival Ball will take place in online format this year, starting Monday, February 28 at 9.30pm. Broadcasted from the Música Nova Auditorium, the show featuring musical animation by the Fora D’Hora group can be viewed on Facebook and YouTube.

Shop owners and merchants have been challenged to decorate their shop windows with some festive spirit, with the municipality supporting with costumes and props, on the streets of Praça da República and Rua 5 de Outubro (Rua das Lojas – Shops Street).