Newsletter November 2016

Margarida Sampaio @


And then it rained...wow it rained!  Anyone who has ever been in the Algarve when the rain starts to pour will know that there is none of that drizzle that gets you really wet Peter Kay style.  Instead when it rains here it is of the tropical storm variety and at the end of October we had an enormous storm.

If you have a look around Facebook then I am sure you will have seen the truly impressive videos of the huge electrical storm we had in the Algarve and in Carvoeiro the skies were lighting up every few minutes for hours – of course accompanied by some heavy rainfall too.  But thankfully we had no real flooding problems and bright and early the next morning the council workers were out in force sweeping up the roads and cleaning up the mud that was everywhere – so it looks like we may have finally sorted out the drainage problems in the town (fingers crossed).

HALLOWEEN

The biggest event in October in Carvoeiro had to be the final day of the month when the town truly embraced all things spooky and creepy.  Over the past few years Halloween has been growing in popularity in Carvoeiro and this year everyone really out did themselves with some amazing costumes and hundreds of people getting into the spirit of things.

The children (and many of the adults) from Carvoeiro all met at the top of the O Farol to begin their parade through the town which this year saw everyone embracing the chosen vampire theme.  We had a very creepy float complete with dry ice and lighting and even a full brass band clothed in cult like robes leading the way.  Then there were the hoards of children who ran in and out of the shops, restaurants and bars along the way, picking up a crazy amount of sweetie (and the odd carton of orange juice??) ,

I have never seen trick or treating done this way but it sort of worked out and at least gathered everyone in the same place – perhaps would have been a good idea to stop the traffic as the children were weaving in and out of the road…but we can’t expect perfection!

Many of the older trick or treaters stayed out later into the evening, with some heading off for the baile at the social club and others visiting the bars, with many really getting into the spirit of things with decorations and some great costumes around.

It looks like Halloween is here to stay in Carvoeiro so if you are you are over at this time of the year in 2017 then be sure to pack your fake blood and facepaints and join the chaos!

CAR RENTAL  New lower prices!! Starting at just 43,50 euro per week in the low season  - no credit card needed at reservation - no "full tank charge" or other gimmicks - the price you see is the price you pay! from a local company at your service since 2003 - get a rental car delivered at your accommodation (in Carvoeiro or Alvor) at no extra charge (6+ day rental) at low on-line prices.

Early Bird Rates: Reduced prices until December 31st 2016 for high and peak season 2017 - please book ASAP and before 31/12/2016 in order to save.

CLOSING FOR THE WINTER

Now we are into November the winter season really is upon us so we are seeing a good few of the bars shutting down for the winter season – giving the staff a much deserved break before the fun starts all over again in 2017.  But don’t think that Carvoeiro has died a death!

Of course, it is much quieter here right now (although half term saw a good few people coming over to enjoy the very warm weather we have been having) but there are still lots of places that are still open.  You will always be able to find restaurants open and a good few bars too and at this time of the year you can be sure of some really great service and a chance to catch up with everyone – so hop on one of those cheap flights and come over for a few days to say hello!

DARTS

So if you are looking for a little excitement and at least a few people on a Friday night then head into the town to cheer on the local darts teams as the season gets underway this week.  Visit Harrys bar for a list of the dates and venues for each of the matches and you can get involved with the banter and the fun every Friday night from 9 ish (that is very ish).

FOOTBALL

The new season has begun for Carvoeiro United and they are back playing at Estombar as their home ground.  The team have seen a good few changes and are looking like being a strong opposition to the other local teams in the league.  Matches take place every Saturday, alternating between home and away and you will find posters up around the town in various bars letting you know the date and time of the next match if you fancy going along and showing your support. 

If you need to know anything about the team or want to buy some merchandise then your best bet is to head to Hemingways and talk to Sandro who will be able to help you out.  The t-shirts and scarves etc actually make some really great Christmas gifts for those difficult to buy people and you will be supporting the local team at the same time!

SO WHAT’S ON?

The Algarve tourism board have been trying to make the Algarve a more attractive place to come to in the low season and recently launched the Algarve 365 cultural programme to bring most interesting and exciting music, events and performances to the region.  It is true that the Algarve is pretty quiet at this time of the year but you never need to look far to find something going on….

Swan Lake – we have the Russian Classical Ballet coming to Faro this month to the Figuras Theatre for a performance of Swan Lake.  If you have never been to the ballet before then this is a great introduction as it is nowhere near as expensive to see top quality dance in the Algarve compared to other places in Europe.  The performance is on November 22 and tickets cost €25.

Algarve Casinos Rallye – This event starts along the waterfront in Portimão on November 12  from 2pm and then travels along to Lagos for a night stage held in the historic centre.  It is then off to Monchique the next day before finishing at the Hotel Algarve Casino at around 1pm.  You can get a good look at the cars and watch the action at various points and of you are not going to go and watch then at least you will have an idea about what on earth os going on over this weekend!

Sweet potato festival – You wouldn’t think that this was a highlight o the calendar but you would be amazed what the people of Aljezur can do with a sweet potato or two!  The festival is held in the multipurpose space in Aljezur in the western Algarve from November 25 until 27.  Entrace is free and you will have plenty of opportunity to try the sweet and savoury offerings of these locally grown potatoes.  If you are not a fan of sweet potatoes then this will probably not be the best day out…although you can still enjoy the entertainment!

São Martinho Fair – This has to a favourite of many of the residents in the Algarve and is the perfect place to pick up bits and pieces off the many stalls, go on some stomach churning fairground rides and eat far too much sugar all in one place.  The fair, which is now in its 354th year, is taking place at the Portimão exhibition site (the slug near to the Barlavento hospital) between November 4th and 11th.  Don’t forget to pick up your roasted chestnuts while you are there for perhaps one of the most autumnal feeling events of the year in the Algarve.

Nobel International School Porches - will be holding their annual Christmas fair on Saturday 26th November from 10am- 4 pm. A host of fabulous festive stalls, food , a spectacular prize draw and, of course, Santa's magical grotto ! Fun for the whole family. Come and enjoy the day, with all proceeds donated to a local children's charity. Free entrance, easy parking. Located on EN125 at Porches. For more details, call Alan Sheppard on 914952299 or e/mail algarvealan@yahoo.co.uk

AND FINALLY…

Well I’m off to continue my search for the wooden fishing boat that used to be at the entrance to the village.  The concrete blocks are still there, and the storm did not wash it away…the mystery continues…

Until next time

Margarida.