Algarve CarnivalsIn 2007, I finally managed to attend some Algarve carnivals...
Since the Algarve climate is so benign, carnivals take place in February. I could not imagine this happening in many parts of the UK! The events seem to be a amalgamation of pagan springtime ceremonies and the Christian celebration of Shrove Tuesday. In Britain, this is marked by the dutiful consumption of pancakes (and a marked rise in the share price of Tate and Lyle, who sell the most popular brand of cane syrup!) Tractor with no side mirrors, so the driver could concentrate! But in Algarve, they go for a more markedly out-doorsy approach and parade around in themed floats and suchlike. Many towns and villages hold their own events, but the oldest Portuguese carnival, I learned, is the one in Loulé, which was initiated in 1906! Unfortunately, that means that I missed the centenary bash, but the 101st event was just fine by me!
I was surprised at how well advertised the events were. Everywhere I went in the weeks leading up to the penultimate weekend of February, there were posters and signs advising of the dates and venues, with most emphasising that attendance was free.
Each Algarve carnival seems to have something different to offer. While the Loule carnival was undoubtedly the most lavish (with professionally-trained samba dancers on show), I must admit to a slight preference for the more amateur (and enthusiastic) approach of the smaller Algarve events. While not quite so slick, the obvious pride and enjoyment in the outcome was there for all to see at the carnivals in Tavira and Moncarapacho. Moncarapacho's Greek Most carnivals have a theme, and there's much good-natured satiricising of life's woes and joys, with a particular penchant for having a tilt at politicians, both local and national. Taxes attract a special level of rueful complaint, you may not be surprised to learn!
All the events I saw were well attended, with locals turning out to support their kith and kin, and outsiders (like yours truly) turning up to enjoy some rubbernecking and picture taking (well, how else is a girl supposed to keep a website updated?)
Even the smallest get into the spirit of Algarve carnivals Probably because of the professional element, Loule carnival made a charge for each day (of the three) that you attended. It was only 2 to 3 euros, I hasten to add.
Although most shops were shut, there were stalls selling local delicacies, including a form of pancakes and some battered doughnuts (I think) that were listed as 'farturas' (no sniggering at the back there, you British readers!) Whatever, if all that carnivall-ing made you peckish, there were plenty of stalls and hostelries that would help you refuel. One notable aspect was the wide spread of age groups among attendees. It would seem that Algarve carnivals have something for everyone.
Toytown's Loule representative
Many of the older young folk sprinted about spraying each other with coloured goo, and popping the occasional egg over each others' heads. It seems that this behaviour is a throwback to pre-carnival times, when rival gangs of youths would throw discarded food and mud at each other. Then, someone came up with the notion of formal processions of carts... .. The intent having been, at least partly, to harness that youthful energy and give it some direction and purpose. But the substance-flinging seems to have survived into the carnival era. So long as you don't go dressed in your best bib-and-tucker, a few bits of stray goo shouldn't ruin your day at an Algarve carnival. Now that's an Algarve carnival smile! It would seem, unless my ears deceived me, there were many nationalities present at the three Algarve carnivals that I managed to attend in 2007 (there'll be more next year, for sure).
Huge octopus disrupts Tavira's carnival All that parading is done along a circuitous route, so if you missed the start of the procession, don't worry... all the floats will pass you by at some time! It's all wonderfully friendly and laid-back, with bunting slung between buildings and hoardings decorated in rustic fashion. And I certainly had to take off my hat (though not much else!) to the girls who paraded around Loule all afternoon in skimpy outfits - some very skimpy as the pictures show - even when it occasionally clouded over and the temperature dropped somewhat!
Some of these Algarve carnival girls had arrived without even a vest! So, there's my recommendation, should you manage to be over here in Algarve in the latter half of February, any time in the future... ... Find some Algarve carnivals and join in the fun! I hope this page has proved informative and entertaining. And if you have any Algarve carnival experiences of your own... Please visit the Your Algarve Best page, where you can share them with others. They'll thank you for it!
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... and now I know how much fun and frivolity I'd been missing.
It would seem that planning for Algarve carnivals starts early in the year, and many locals get involved, making the thousands of paper flowers that adorn the floats. Local participation at the actual events extends to the farmers, who turn out in their tractors to pull the floats. Many get into the mood of the event, with their outfits themed to suit.
Algarve carnivals are policed by the local GNR, but the officers maintain a very low-key presence, quite in keeping with the spirit of the events. 
Parking was free, but I took the precaution of leaving my car some distance from each of the Algarve carnivals that I attended, so that my quick get-away routine was not thwarted by the usual throng of jam-packed, honking vehicles that make up the final part of any Algarve event!
Babies and young children were dressed up for the occasion. I saw quite a number of children's favourite characters and a fair few superheroes, not to mention the occasional tiny Lion King.
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