Algarve - Adeus 2007

Now that the Christmas madness has past and the new year approaches, thoughts are on how to spend the last few days of 2007. We found a few things that might keep you busy, in the spirit of the season and take you straight into 2008!

Happy New Year

Enjoy, party safely and drive carefully.

Bob Sinclar Concert in Algarve – New Year’s Eve

Fireworks/Multimedia Show, midnight
Bob Sinclar, 12.15am
Venue: Praia dos Pescadores
City: Albufeira
Tel.: +351 289 599 500

New Year’s Eve in Portimao
Reggae and New Orleans Jazz - Alvor Waterfront
Brazilian rhythms -Portimão Waterfront
Trio Eléctrico with salsa, hip hop, percussion & belly dancing - Praia da Rocha
Tel: +351 282 470 700

Aljezur – Musical Fireworks Show
Date: 31 December
Venue: Next to the Town Hall
Time: 24h00

Faro – Music and Fireworks Show
Concert with the group EZ Special and DJ Fernando (Orbital).
Date: 31 December
Venue: Largo de São Francisco
Time: From 10pm

Lagos – Musical Fireworks Show
Date: 31 December
Venue: Ribeira de Bensafrim Left riverbank
Time: Midnight

Odeceixe – Fireworks Show
Date: 31 December
Time: Midnight

Vila do Bispo – Fireworks Show
Date: 31 December
Venue: Parishes of the municipality

Smokefree Portugal

For a while now, I’ve been awaiting the good news - that Portugal will join the rest of Europe, and most of the world, in a no smoking policy, in public places.

Smokefree Portugal

As a non-smoker, the idea of enjoying a great meal next to cigarette smoke is well… less than appealing. Now, finally it looks like the big day is about to arrive, January 1st 2008 - Portugal will be smoke free! The law will ban smoking in bars, cafe’s and restaurants with less than 100m2, as well as all public places like transportation and shopping centers.

So, looks like the only smoke on our fabulously grilled fish will be from the grill!

Bolo Rei - Portuguese Christmas Cake

Although Christmas is still a few days away it seems to have taken over: life as we know it. The holidays are a funny time of year - the shopping, planning, trips, wrapping, cooking…it just goes on and on. So for the last couple of years we’ve decided to inject “fun” into the equation and purposely back away from our monitors and chaos, and get our hands dirty in the kitchen. So what better way to start, than with the most traditional Christmas cake in Portugal - Bolo Rei.

Bolo rei - Traditional Portuguese Cake

Bolo Rei is a sweet bread with a large hole in the center, looking a lot like a large sweet bagel, decorated with candied fruit and nuts. It was once enjoyed on December 25th, and January 6th to celebrate Christmas and Kings day, respectively. But mix, sweets with the Portuguese palette, and you get temptation that can’t be reserved to two days a year. So, today Bolo Rei is everywhere by late November, with fresh batches baked daily, well into January.

Algarve Solidarity through Solidus - Mission: Smile

Yesterday, I came across a wonderful project right here in the Algarve that made me smile. The project is solidus.pt a volunteer program piloted in Faro and with expectations to spread throughout the country in 2008. Solidus is a volunteer program that lets both those needing volunteers and those wanting to volunteer to come together in one common place and registering their needs and interests, to help the community. How great is that!?

The project went live yesterday, so its very fresh, and there maybe some hiccups using the site which is currently only in Portuguese. Solidus mission is simple: Creating Smiles, by bringing like minded people together to help others.

Savory Portuguese Carrots - Conserva de Cenoura

Since Christmas celebrations are in full swing in the Algarve, it’s time to start thinking about what will be on the Christmas table. Things have been a bit busy so I’m getting a late start, but good things are in store. Portuguese enjoy some pretty big feasts at Christmas so, I’ll be sharing some simple dishes and, also trying my hand at some traditional Portuguese Christmas recipes, I’ve loved for years but didn’t have the courage try. Mostly, because I have family members who are masters, so why mess with perfection - but to carry on the tradition, I’ll be putting on an apron and apprenticing…stay tuned, this could get messy!

Portugal is very regionalized and this carries over to the food; with each region having its own traditions and variations of recipes - then there’s the staples that grace every table from north to south. One of these is Conserve de Cenoura, with or without olives.

Conserva de Cenoras Recipe

Algarve Things To Do December

If you’re visiting or spending time in the Algarve in December, here’s the complete guide of things to do and see during your holiday in the Algarve.

The December guide covers all the festivities across the region from December 1st to December 31st.