The big events across the Algarve may be open but smaller annual festivals continue to offer fun for locals and visitors, with the emphasis on food.
The 16th edition of the Dry Fruits Fair will take place from the 1st to the 3rd of September, in Largo de la Junta de Freguesia, in Alcantarilha, Silves.
The event aims to promote traditional local and regional products, with a clear emphasis on nuts such as almond and carob, and dried figs. There are always a variety of stands linked to handicrafts, gastronomy and sweets.
Each evening there will be music with a different theme. The event kicks off on Friday, September 1st at 18:30, closing the doors at 02:00 am. On Saturday, the event is open from 17:00 pm until 02:00 and on Sunday from 17:00 until midnight.
In Alcoutim, locals will be celebrating the uniqueness, sublimity and versatility of the Fig of India and as the council promotes a photo competition, and a technical conference.
The Council of Alcoutim has claimed the title of the Capital of the Fig of India and the event is organised by the councils of Alcoutim and Martim Longo in collaboration with various groups dedicated to Fig of India production.
Some of the common English names for the plant and its fruit are Indian fig opuntia, Barbary fig, cactus pear, spineless cactus, and prickly pear.
The fruit comes from Opuntia ficus-indica is a species of cactus that has long been a domesticated crop plant important in agricultural economies throughout arid and semi arid parts of the world.
August and September are the months in which the Fig of India is harvested and the arrival of the juicy fruit is as good a reason as any for celebration.
The programme of activities includes tasting innovative recipes made with the Fig of India, an invitation to lovers of photography and the presence of internationally renowned experts who will be in Alcoutim to discuss, deepen and promote the fig tree and the fig of India as endogenous products of importance to the development context of the region.
Over in Silves, a mere 828 years after its conquest, September 3rd is designated as Municipality Day.
The programme of activities, which begin on September 2, includes the 8th anniversary of the Museum of Costume and Traditions, the signing of a protocol with the Portuguese Swimming Federation and a tribute to personalities and medalists of the Municipality and the 27th anniversary of the Municipal Museum of Archeology of Silves.
On September 2nd, the Municipal Museum of Costume and Traditions, in Messines, will be open between 10:00 and 13:00, and 14:00m and 18:00.
The Sunday marks the 27th anniversary of the Silves Municipal Museum of Archeology, with free admission and guided tours from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 13:30 to 16:30.
Up in Ponte da Tôr next weekend there will be another edition of Tôr fair, an event that brings traditions and festivities - barrocal style.
Around 30 exhibitors will be selling local handicrafts and products and visitors will be able to eat food while watching the entertainment.
The programme includes activities for youngsters, with face paintings and balloon modeling with the Tôr Social and Cultural Association.
Not a fair at all, I realise, but on Friday September 1st, those interested in learning more about the oil exploration and extraction threats to the Algarve region are invited to the Lethes Theatre in Faro where the - Algarve Free of Petroleum Platform (PALP) is hosting an open session called, "NO to oil exploration in the Algarve."
PALP accepted an earlier challenge proposed by the Lethes Theatre to promote a debate in which experts can clarify how this threat has evolved.
Speakers include Tereza Fonseca, Ph.D. in Marine, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Paulo Saraiva, a Biology graduate and Sara Lopes, an Economics graduate.
In Tavira, the 5th Mediterranean Diet Fair will be held at the Ribeira Market from the 7th to the 10 th of September.
Chef Vitor Sobral, gastronomic ambassador of the MEDFEST project and closely linked to the nation’s gastronomy, will start the four-day programme of celebration for the gastronomic and cultural values of the UNESCVO approved, Mediterranean Diet.
The In Loco Association, the Portuguese Tourism Schools of Faro and Vila Real de Santo António and the Tavira council have organised an ambitious programme of activities where the celebration of this lifestyle is all about food and its cultural values.
Up in Monchique, the ARTECHIQUE - Monchique Craft and Flavors Fair, once again is taking place, this year on the 1st to the 3rd of September.( 10:00 to 23:00 on September 1st and 2nd, and from 10:00 to 20:00 on the 3rd.)
This event, now in its twenty-third year, is held in Largo dos Chorões in the centre of the town where handicrafts produced by the mountain people still define the local identity – if you don’t have any ‘scissor chairs’, now’s your chance.
ARTECHIQUE is a street fair for all tastes and ages that this year hosts 23 artisans, 3 sausage producers, 3 producers of aguardente de medronho and melosa, 1 bakery, 1 melaria, 2 bars and 2 street food stands.
There will be 6 local associations present from sports and cultural clubs, hunting clubs, social support associations, the Scouts and the Portuguese Guides Association.
The petanque tournament is always a favourite and helps visitors get over the Meeting of Accordionists on the last day of fair.
