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There is a fantastic selection of events and festivals that take place across the Algarve throughout the whole calendar year. Whenever you decide to travel to region there is sure to be something taking place. During the summer months the programme of entertainment is able to make the most of the warm weather with most taking place in the open air, its perfect for the beaches and even the villages in the mountains.
Sporting events are very popular including those on land such as car rallies, golf and motocross and on the water, such as sailing and powerboats. Festivals and carnivals bring colourful processions and musical performances to the streets. They celebrate historical and religious events, usually ending by lighting the skies with an explosion of fireworks.
Below you will find an overview of events that take place across the region, but it is always worth checking out locally what is happening once you arrive.
Read more on this destination in the AA Essential Guide to the Algarve
Top Algarve events
February
Carnival weekend - Preceding Lent with streamers, firecrackers, water pistols and fancy dress. Particularly lively celebrations at the Loulee Carnival that is renowned throughout the country, with processions of colourful floats through the streets along with mock battles and traditional dancing.
March
Holy Week - Processions and festivals take place all over the region during the week leading up to Easter.
April
Feira de Mae Soberana - A religious festival, firstly a statue of the city’s patron saint is bought down to the church of Sao Francisco and then a fortnight later a procession takes place to return the statue to its resting place.
Lagos Jazz Festival - This is a 5 day affair with performances and workshops in celebration of the music.
May
Festival Internacional do Música do Algarve - Held in the Teatro Municipal de Faro the Algarves International Music Festival sees performances of music and dance by entertainers from around the world.
June / July
International Film Festival - Portugal’s longest running film festival showcasing short films from around the world that is mainly shown in Portimao.
Silves Beer Festival - In the Fábrica do Inglês you will find this 10 day festival focusing completely on beer.
Feira da Serra - Translated this is the Festival of the Mountain, a 3 day celebration of everything that the land influences including the food, drink, animals, arts and crafts.
August
Festas de Viana - One of the greatest and most popular festivals, with celebrations taking place across the country on the last weekend of the month.
Dias Medievais em Castro Marim - Visit life as it would have been in the Middle Ages at this event in Castro Marim, the town itself and the 13th century castle.
September
Circuito Hipico Inernacional do Algarve - In Vilamoura and Portimão you will find this annual competition organised by the International Horse Riding Circuit.
October
Feira da Outubro - Head into the hills and in the centre of Monchique you will find an arrangement of displays and stalls along with entertainment and performances.
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