Algarve International Fireworks Competition
What is it about fireworks that makes me feel 10 again? Maybe it’s that no matter how “big” I get they always seem so far out of reach, or maybe its because they’re so reminiscent of Christmas; lots of sparkly stuff causing a lot of ooohhs and aaaahhhs, and secretly wishing there’s a surprise in there for me somewhere.
Portugal has been putting on amazing fireworks shows for a while now, but considering our low profile, they’re rarely heard about. This past new years Madeira (Portuguese Islands) broke a few records with a spectacular show of lights. Unfortunately, only the lucky ones (I wasn’t one of them) who were there can tell the tale of what they saw. I’m dreaming of sipping a great champagne, while on a garden paradise in the middle of the Atlantic; surrounded by a spectacle of lights in a massive black velvet sky….hummm, have to keep that image in mind for upcoming new years planning.

Fortunately we don’t have to wait for new years, there is an international fireworks competition on right now, we caught one on Quartiera beach a few nights ago, and there’s one more on September 9th (in Monte Gordo) promising more oohs and ahhhs…if you want it to feel like new years, don’t forget the bubbly.
Details for the final fireworks display
- Date: Sunday, September 9th
- Time: Between 23:00-24:00 (show will last between 13 to 15 minutes)
- Location: Monte Gordo Beach, in Vila Real de Santo António
Medieval Fair – Castro Marim
We took a step back in time Sunday night after entering the old city of Castro Marim. The small and maze like streets leading to the old Castle spotted with juggling jesters along the walkways, immediately transported us to a different time and place.
As we made our way toward the castle entrance, barbarians, musicians and maidens lined the streets to entertain, while merchants stood by selling their wares from dried fruits and candies to medicinal herbs for anything that may ale you.

The rough cobblestones up Read more
Fatacil in Lagoa
What is Fatacil? The simple answer would be “it’s a fair” but it’s actually a lot more than just a fair. Fatacil is an initiative dedicated to progress and innovation for the region of the Algarve, in the areas of Arts & Crafts, Commerce, Tourism and Agriculture and it stresses the differentiation and quality of Portuguese products from other counties such as Spain whom Portugal is often wrongly associated with.

Good Bye Summer - Update
Sasha summer sessions wrapped up last night on a hot note thanks to DJ Chus - when we left at 5:30 in the morning the party was still going strong, with Chus’ original sounds.
If you were ready to call it a night and cash out early like us, there was a little problem; multi banco was down. There’s one cash machine across the street from Sasha in Portimao and it never seems to have cash…its purpose, questionable. Anyway, if you were caught empty-handed or empty wallet…no problem. Sasha had a shuttle organized for anyone needing a lift to the closest machine…nicely done Sasha!
And here’s a video clip from last night’s party
Looking forward to next year!
Good Bye Summer - Sasha Summer Sessions
Good Bye Summer : (
All good things must come to an end. And it’s no different with the fantastic 25 Day Sasha Summer Sessions, in Portimao.
Tonight Sasha Summer Sessions wraps up with the unique sounds of DJ Chus of Madrid Spain, considered one of the top 100 DJs in the World. DJ Chus will be lathering up the crowd with his own brand of music “Iberican sound” giving party goers a warm summer send off of original house & electronic rhythms.
Hard to believe summer is almost over, so we’re going to squeeze every last drop and won’t be missing this.

The party kicks off at 22h until …
For more info you can visit Sasha Summer Sessions
Find out more about DJ Chus here and here.
Folk Faro 2007
Portugal has a strong history with folk dancing so it seems fitting to host this annual International Competition right here in Algarve!
Seven countries from around the world are here to participate – Portugal, Costa Rica, South Korea, Venezuela, Check Republic, Republic of Buriatia & Republic of Tatarstan.
If you’re interested, visit Folkfaro.com for details.












































