Most of the villages and cities have their own festivals, where you can taste new flavours, enjoy local delicacies and explore the region’s past. Over the years, music and motorbikes became another reason for visitors from all over the world to stop by.
The “Enchidos”, the traditional pork meat sausages, was created to preserve food. Seasoning the meat and smoking the sausages ensured that every part of the pig was used. Sea salt was also widely used to cure ham, which is known as “Presunto”.
This process happens over the winter when the weather is colder, to avoid having spoiled meat, and in spring the food is ready to be enjoyed.
“Feira dos Enchidos”, which takes place in March, celebrates these traditions and showcases the best Monchique has to offer. Alongside the “Enchidos”, there are plenty of other specialties, such as the “Medronho”, “Bolo de Tacho” and “Bolo de Torresmo”. In the evening, the fair welcomes local artists, including renowned Fado singers.
At the Al-Muthamid square, in the centre of Silves, you can enjoy free entry and purchase a special edition beer glass, which you can take home as a souvenir or refill as many times as you wish. Besides artisanal beer, there are many food stands serving “petiscos”, the Portuguese version of the Spanish tapas, pizzas, and pork meat sandwiches.
Live music, ranging from traditional Algarvian folk to rock cover songs by local artists, will make you get up on your feet and dance. The Silves Beer Fest usually takes place in June and is the perfect event to gather some friends and enjoy the warm summer evenings.
The main stage, located in the centre of Carvoeiro right beside the beach, is where live musicians entertain the crowds. But it is not the only place to dance. All through the village, there are smaller stages where local musicians, DJ’s and street performers showcase their skills.
The Black & White Party offers free entry and welcomes people of all ages! Due to the event´s increasing popularity, the city council organizes shuttle buses to help visitors arrive at Carvoeiro village centre. Also, a few days before the party, the schedule is announced, and you will be able to plan which artists and places you wish to see.
Once you pay your entrance fee, you can get a special edition beer mug from one of the beer stands. These mugs are made by a local artist who designs and handcrafts each one. Every year a new design is created, always inspired by the sea. The mug can be purchased, or it can be returned at the end of the party and the amount paid will be refunded.
The charcoal grills, food and drinks are provided by the local fishermen’s association. After you have sorted your mug, simply ask for some sardines or mackerel and grill it to your taste. If you are not sure how to do it yourself, ask the fishermen! They will help you! The main crowd gathers around a small stage and dances the night away.
The Portinho da Arrifana, located at the bottom of a steep slope by the sea, is a secluded cove where, even during summer, evenings can become quite cold. Take a warm sweater and comfortable shoes, in case it gets chilly.
In July, at “Festival dos Caracóis”, the traditional dish is snails boiled in water with oregano and sea salt. However, there are other recipes made with this mollusc and, in case you are not an admirer of this Portuguese national treasure, there will be plenty of other options, some of which you may already know, such as octopus salad or white bean and whelk stew.
For four nights, locals and visitors celebrate the best culinary treats the Algarve has to offer and close the evening with local artists playing traditional Portuguese folk music.
In the late afternoon, the street performers impersonating kings, warriors, apothecaries and other characters parade through the city and mark the start of the Silves Medieval Fair.
At the Royal Wardrobe, you can rent clothes and become a king, a queen, a warrior, or a priest for the day. As you get comfortable with your new persona, enjoy exploring the narrow, cobbled streets of Silves.
The food corners, available within the city’s walls, are set up with long wooden tables, and straw bales serve as benches. Food is served in large sharing portions on clay tiles.
This is one of the most popular events in the Algarve and, for this reason, it is recommended that you arrive early in Silves.
The waiters dress up in traditional Bavarian costumes and the walls are filled with paintings of German landscapes to recreate the Octoberfest atmosphere. Besides German beer and craft beer produced in Porches, you can find traditional German food such as potato salad, schnitzel, bretzl, and the famous apfelstrudel.
This festival has become increasingly popular amongst locals who are curious about German traditions, and foreigners living in the Algarve alike. To guarantee you place, the organization recommends booking in advance.
During the three days, you can enjoy recipes made with sweet potatoes created by local chefs, understand the differences between sweet potatoes varietals, and even buy some to take home.
Other than sweet potato, you can taste traditional Algarvian sweets, artisanal liquor and discover local handicrafts, or watch street performers and local musicians as they entertain the crowd.