World Kempo Competition - Faro 2008

Looking for something really different to do here in the Algarve, how about Japanese Martial Arts? In a few days, Faro, Algarve will hosting the 5th World Kempo Competition, featuring 500 competitors from around the world, representing 34 countries.

Photo credit: mamba909

The competition will be broken into two disciplines: Traditional and Modern and will feature world champions specializing and competing in each.

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Gourmet Tastes - Apolónia Celebrates 25th

If you’ve had enough Easter chocolate and are looking to nibble on something different, Apolónia, in Amancil is celebrating their 25th anniversary, with a week of deliciousness, starting today.

Apolonia 25th Anniversary

Samples of regional goods, a demonstration of recipe development by Apolónia Magazine food editor, Boris Schijvens, and local chefs such as Siegried Danler-Heinemann of Amedeus, Jens Rittmeyer of Sao Gabriel, Yannick Guichaoua of Casa Velha, Pieter Warnik of Florian and Vincent Nas of Vincent, will all be on hand throughout the week, cooking up wonderful things to tantalize taste buds.

If your sweet tooth is still looking for a fix, the week ends with Algarve’s Association of Pastry chef’s demonstrating perfect spring fondues. And let’s not forget something to wet the appetite, The Association of Algarve Barmen will also be included and will be wrapping up the weeks demonstrations with what else….party drinks!

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Faro Motor Bike Rally 2008 - Concentracao Faro 2008

While taking a drive out this past weekend it was obvious biker fever is back in the air. We found owners cranking clutches and starters, bringing rusty relics out from hiding and others proudly polished chrome to a sparkle.

With the great weather we’ve been having I was reminded the Annual Concentracao de Faro/Faro Bike Rally 2008, couldn’t be too far off.

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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

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Holidays in the Algarve

The holiday festivities have started!

Christmas is in full bloom here in the Algarve, everywhere you go there are Christmas lights and decorations, and every city has its own unique look of holiday lighting. In Faro, Forum Shopping has done a beautiful job again with their Christmas tree, Santa and his elves are patiently listening to a long list of wishes from the little ones.

There’s also fun for the older ones of any age, you can strap on a pair of ice skates and go skating right here in Faro, you might have to watch out for a Palm tree or two but yes, real ice skating in the Algarve! Although, I took a few years of “figure skating” as a kid in Canada, don’t know how long I’d last on my feet - but too much fun to pass up, so we’ll be out here soon!

Cities across Algarve are also starting to announce their holiday plans, so no shortage of fun things to do in the Algarve for the holidays. Read more

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Halloween in the Algarve

Loulé gets ghoulish this Halloween with parties for kids and adults on Wednesday Oct. 31st.

At 15:00 (3pm) a parade is scheduled for students from local schools to show off their costumes from Rua Maria Campina to Logo de S. Francisco. There will also be activities for the younger ones at the Cerca do Convento.

Halloween in Algarve

Later in the evening 21:30 at Alcaidaria do Castelo there will be a mask and costume event with DJ’s, street performers and fire artists.

Who or what will you be this Halloween!?

[update] Halloween night in Loule was fun and not too scary for the kids … for the adults, the bar selection gave us a taste of what was bubbling below the surface: Dracula’s blood shots, intestine shot (didn’t even want to look at this one), witches brains, and many more perfectly disturbing combinations. Here are some pictures of the night.