Summer is here!

12 jun 2024 min de leitura

Summertime in Lagos!

The calçada streets of Lagos are beginning to fill with new faces as the town gears up for another busy summer. After a restorative sleepy winter, all the shops, restaurants, attractions and tours have finally opened their doors. But not only that, from July to September, tourists and locals are treated to a variety of events, markets and festivities. Discover more than just what's on tripadvisor with this Lagos summer calendar…

Discover an array of Portuguese treasures in one of the many recurring markets

For those after an authentic experience, there are a vibrant variety of markets, right on your doorstep, all year around. First, head to the weekly farmers market and taste fresh local produce. It’s bustling, colourful and full of Portuguese charm. Or, why not give something another chance in the flea market or even grab yourself a bargain in the gypsy market?

In these more conscious times, it’s good to keep it sustainable and a great way to give back to the local community is to contribute directly to family businesses. Each town usually has its own municipal market from Monday through to Saturday, from 8am until around 1pm. These stalls have often been passed through the family for generations and usually consist of fishermen and farmers. You’ll be able to grab anything from fresh fish, to charcuterie and tons of fruits and veggies.

In addition to the daily markets, there are also regular pop-up markets, flea markets and gypsy markets. It’s best to get there early as there can be lots of competition for the best deal! These markets also usually have stalls or vans selling street food and drinks for when you’re in need of a quick break.

Did you know? The term “Flea Market”, is said to originate from the French moniker, “marché aux puces”, a title that was given to a Parisian market that specialised in selling second-hand goods which may or may not have contained actual fleas.

Aside from the daily municipal markets, other markets can change from time to time, but here is a rough guide:

Flea markets

Lagos city - 1st Sunday of the month in the sports ground car park
Barao sao Joao - 4th Sunday of the month next to the football field
Chinicato - 2nd Sunday of the month

Farmers markets

Viva Mercado, every Wednesday from 4pm in the bus station
Every Saturday from 8am in the bus station

Gypsy markets

Lagos city, 1st Saturday of the month next to the municipal stadium
Odiaxere, 4th Monday of the month

Celebrate Santos Populares throughout the month of June

‘Santos Populares’ literally translates to ‘Popular Saints Festivals’ and is a month long ‘festa’ throughout June which pays homage to three prominent catholic saints - Saint Anthony (Santo António) on June 13th, Saint John (São João) on June 24th and Saint Peter (São Pedro) on June 29th. It's the perfect opportunity to gather in the streets with the locals and immerse yourself into Portuguese culture.

Throughout the month, you can expect lively street parties, music and dancing until the early hours and of course, lots of food. There's no doubt that as soon as you set foot in the street, you’ll be hit with the distinctive scent of the infamous grilled sardine, amongst other traditional delicacies. Each Portuguese region celebrates one saint's day in particular, although some cities celebrate more than one.

Did you know? There are a number of quirky traditions across Portugal during Santos Populares. In some cities, people give their partner a pot of basil with a message inside to symbolise ‘spicing’ up their relationship and to bless their future. And, in Portugal’s second largest city Porto, it is a local tradition to hit each other over the head with garlic or plastic hammers!

This year, the festivities in Lagos kick off with the ‘Marchas Populares’ on the 13th to the 15th June.

Over the course of three days, sixteen groups will be showcasing their dance skills and singing in a number of parades and performances along the Avenida dos Descobrimentos. There will be a stage and various stalls extending to Praça do Infante.

The programme is as follows:

June 13
19h00 - Tasquinhas open
19h30 - Musical performance by the Lagos Light Orchestra
20h30 - Performance by the Odiáxere Folkloric and Ethnographic Ranch
21h00 - Parade and performance
23h00 - Dance with Ricardo Glória

June 14
19h00 - Tasquinhas open
19h30 - Musical performance by Sociedade Filarmónica Lacobrigense 1º de Maio
21h00 - Parade and performance by the marches:
23h00 - Dance with Cláudio Rosário

June 15
19h00 - Tasquinhas open
19h30 - Fado show with Adriana Marques (fado singer), Gonçalo Rosa (Portuguese guitar) and José Santana (fado guitar)
21h00 - Parade and performance by the marches
23h00 - Dance with Humberto Silva

Then, a week-long festivity will commence celebrating Santos Populares from the 22nd June to the 29th June.

The programme for the Santos Populares festival is as follows:

Programme:

June 22 - Ball with Roberto Bernardino
June 23 - Ball with Fernando Pereira and Parade of the Popular Marches of Amigos da Pedreira, Clube Desportivo de Odiáxere and Clube Artístico Lacobrigense
June 24 - Dance with Ricardo Alves
June 28 - Ball with Humberto Silva and Parade of the São Clemente Popular Marches, by NECI - Núcleo Especializado para a Cidadania Inclusiva and CCD de Lagos
June 29 - Dance with Neuza Guerreiro and Parade of the Popular Marches of Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lagos, Boavista dos Pinheiros and Clube Estrela Desportiva de Bensafrim

Kick back and enjoy a cinematic experience in the heart of the Marina

Creative Ape Cinema is an outdoor cinema facility, conveniently based in Lagos Marina. From the beginning of July and all throughout summer, showings will be held every Tuesday and Thursday evening where up to 200 guests will be provided with a comfy deckchair and headset for maximum entertainment.

With a festival style bar and chillout area serving snacks and cocktails, guests can enjoy socialising with friends before the movie begins or delve deep into a tasty hot meal or freshly made popcorn during the film which can be pre-ordered and delivered to you at the bar.

Generally, all showings are family-friendly but they also cater for a wider audience. Occasionally themed nights are organised such as ‘surf movie nights’. Or, for example, last year they showed the film ‘Cocktail’ and had happy hour cocktails. Some of the feature films this summer will be:

Wonka, Crazy Stupid Love, The Princess Bride, Ghostbusters Afterlife, Coco, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Knight & Day , Book of Life, Knives Out, Pirates of the Caribbean ONE, The Greatest Showman, BIG, Indiana Jones, Dial of destiny, Alice in Wonderland, Sherlock Holmes, Aladdin, Encanto, The Notebook, Big Fish and Free Guy.

Ignite your taste buds at the Lagos Food Festival from the 13th to 16th July

The ninth ‘Lagos Food Festival’ returns to Jardim da Constituição, saluting the South of Portugal's diverse street food providers. If you’ve already overindulged in the delightful grilled fish and meats that the Algarve is well versed for, then head to the Lagos Food Festival for something a little different…

This year punters can expect world delicacies such as burgers and chips, cakes and sandwiches from Transylvania, a variety of vegan goods, Indian food, caipiroskas and caipirinhas, pitas & wraps, pizzas, empanadas, Tripas de Aveiro (sweets), Bola de Berlim, hot dogs, typical Portuguese toasties, tacos and other Mexican food, waffles, oysters, beef Jerky, soft ice cream, Asian street food, kombucha and natural wines.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Arte Doce festival from the 26th to 30th July

The Arte Doce Festival has become a staple event in the Algarve as it celebrates its history and traditions, rich like its sweet treats. Figs, Almonds and Carobs have been some of the regions most farmed produce and the key ingredients used to satisfy sweet cravings for centuries. Today, this old tradition lives on thanks to Lagos City Council and over 35 confectioners and artisans who are coming together this year to showcase their products.

Meet local authors at the Lagos Book fair from the 5th to 15th August

This ten day initiative promotes local talent as it showcases and sells books published by authors who are born or resident of Aljezur, Lagos or Vila do Bispo. Guests will be able to ‘meet and greet’ the respective authors, receive autographs and be taken on a creative journey through the authors' eyes in book presentations.

Dance to the beat of the world at Lagos world music festival 5th & 6th and 12th & 13th August

‘Music is one of the arts that most unites us. It is under this motto that ‘Lagos World Music’ is born’. This free festival aims to introduce and promote different types of music to a wider audience in the hopes to bring together different cultures. The programme is as follows:

August 5 - Jasmina Petrovic Ensemble (Croatia - Music from the Mediterranean and Balkans)
August 6 - Lidia Brandão Quarteto (Brazil - Bossa Nova, MPB and Samba)
August 12 - Aboubacar Sylla (Guinea Conakry - Traditional African Music)
August 13 - Al-Mouraria (Portugal - Show commemorating the group's 20th anniversary)

Take a midnight dip at ‘Festa do Banho 29’ on the 29th August

‘The Banho 29’ has evolved over the years. Although its origin is uncertain, it’s said to be a mix of folk tradition and ritual passed from parents to children with the belief that the bath that night is worth 29 baths and will rid them of demons. Unlike the old days where the local fishermen would gather with their donkeys and carts, thousands of tourists and locals alike, flock to beaches along Portugal's coastline and celebrate until the early hours of the morning. Midnight is where the fun begins as people rush into the sea, often still fully clothed!

In Lagos, it is in Solaria, Praia de Batata and Meia Praia where the festivities are held and in Praia da Luz there are also a few large stages on the beach with headliners from throughout Europe. It is yet to be confirmed which acts will hit the beach this year, but there's always a mixture of genres to suit all tastes as well as food stalls, handicraft stalls and plenty of places to grab a beer, all with free entry.