Councils across the Algarve are preparing their Carnival celebrations to include parties, parades and fancy dress competitions, which will take place between February 20 and 24.
Traditionally, Carnival is a period of festivities including parades and dances and is fixed each year by the moon, marking the start of Lent in the Christian faith. The word Carnival comes from the words “carne vale”, meaning ‘farewell to the flesh’.
Each town has its own theme for this annual celebration, which can be based on political satire, important events and society in general. Themes across the region this year include the year of astronomy in Albufeira, the Olympic Games in Vila Real de Santo António, the world in São Brás de Alportel and nature in Loulé.
Loulé carnival is widely acclaimed as the most famous parade in the Algarve, having run since 1906.
It is also one of the most renowned in Portugal, along with those of Madeira, Ovar and Torres Vedras.
Underneath you find some time and dates!
Friday 20 February
10:00am
Albuferia Schools Carnival
10:00am
Faro Childrens Carnival
10:00am
Quarteira Schools Carnival
10:00am
Sao Bras de Alportel Childrens Carnival
Saturday, February 21
3:00pm
Loule Childrens Carnival
3:00pm
Quarteira Carnival Parade
9:30pm
Loule Carnival Party
Sunday, February 22
3:00am
Loule Carnival Party
2:00pm
Paderne Carnival
3:00pm
Quarteira Carnival Parade
3:00pm
Sao Bras de Alportel Carnival
3:00pm
Tavira Carnival Parade of Decorated Floats
3:30pm
Alte Carnival Parade
3:30pm
Loule Carnival Parade
Tuesday, February 24
2:00pm
Paderne Carnival
2:00pm
Sagres Carnival Parade
3:00pm
Quarteira Carnival Parade
3:00pm
Sao Bras de Alportel Carnival
3:00pm
Tavira Carnival Parade of Decorated Floats
3:30pm
Alte Carnival Parade
3:30pm
Loule Carnival Parade
Would you like to have more information about Algarve Carnival, please contact me. If you are on Holiday in Algarve staying at one of our properties or somewhere else, we hope that you found this information useful. Why not subscribe to this news blog to find out more.