Praia da Rocha, Algarve, gives you the most scenic and fun New Year’s Eve!

Have you chosen where you want to be at midnight on 31st December 2008?

Praia da Rocha offers stunning viewpoints of the beach during the day and is the perfect venue for the impressive fireworks and music events taking place during New Year’s Eve!

The fireworks spectacular is accompanied by classic music can also be seen from Portimão’s & Alvor’s Riverside area.

Music events take place through out the night to keep you dancing and in the right atmosphere to face the New Year. All free of charge!

Bring the bubbly! We’ll see you there!

More information to follow as we find out specific details on the cultural events available on the night.

Links & notes:

Praia da Rocha had one of the most sunning fireworks display in the Algarve and, some claimed, the most stunning display last year!

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Algarve Holiday Studio: http://www.geocities.com/algarve_holiday/
For a memorable stay at Praia da Rocha, Algarve!

What’s On in the Algarve in December 2008

Christmas concerts, Amateur Fado Competition, Jazz Concerts, Ballet, Photography, Painting and Islamic Art Exhibitions, Xmas Nativity scenes and Father Xmas processions, Capoeira and many other sports activities are all part of the magic of Xmas in the Algarve.

In the run up to the New Year enjoy great nights of entertainment with fireworks and great sounds from national and international musicians!

That’s the Algarve for you! A great place for your entertainment and with great beaches as background!

Obtain this brochure in hard copy at Faro Airport (in the Tourist Office) and in all Tourist Offices in the Algarve or you can download it from here:

What’s On in the Algarve in December 2008

There is more to the Algarve than ‘Sun, Sea & Sand’!

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Algarve Holiday Studio: http://www.geocities.com/algarve_holiday/
For a memorable stay at Praia da Rocha, Algarve !

World Aids Day in Portimão: Solidarity Concert and Dance Party mark day of Fight Against Aids

The fight against Aids in Portimão is marked by a solidarity concert at the Municipal Auditorium with the Algarvian Rock band Iris, as well as Nuno Guerreiro and the Portuguese stand up comedian Nilton.

The proceeds of the solidarity concert will go to the charity organisation MAPS (Movimento de Apoio à Problemática da Sida)

Sunday 30th November, 9.30PM
Venue: Portimão’s Municipal Auditorium

Tickets: €5
Children (7 to 12): €3
Children up to 6 years old: free

Tickets are on sale at the box office of Portimão’s Municipal Auditorium from 2PM until the time of the concert.

Locaton: Portimão’s Municipal Auditorium is excellent for musical events and is located in the centre of town (Avenida Miguel Bombarda; near Portimão’s main tourist office). It’s easily accessible from Praia da Rocha, Alvor, Monchique, Ferragudo, Carvoeiro, Lagoa, Armação de Pêra and Lagos.


View Larger Map

The party continues with a Dance Party (Wonderful world) organised by Sasha Beach with the DJs de Pete Tha Zouk, King Bizz, Sérgio Delgado, Henri Josh e Deelight

Sunday 30th November, 11PM
Venue: Portimão Arena - Parque de Feiras e Exposições - Portimão

Tickets: €10 (includes a free drink)

Tickets can be bought at Portimão Arena.

Location: Portimão Arena is an excellent exhibition centre easily accessible from the centre of Portimão by car or local bus. It’s within walking distance from Portimão’s Riverside Area.

Location (google maps)

Links & Notes:

‘World AIDS Day, observed December 1 each year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people[citation needed], with an estimated 33.2 million people living with HIV, making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. Despite recent, improved access to antiretroviral treatment and care in many regions of the world, the AIDS epidemic claimed an estimated 3.1 million (between 2.8 and 3.6 million) lives in 2005, of which more than half a million (570,000) were children.’ (Wikipedia)

Iris
Iris Official Website
Iris sing: Oh mãe
Iris sing: Gaivota

Nuno Guerreiro
Nuno Guerreiro_Tento Saber

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Algarve Holiday Studio: http://www.geocities.com/algarve_holiday/
For a memorable stay at Praia da Rocha, Algarve!

Christmas Lights & Tree Ushers in Festive Season in Portimão - Algarve

Streets in towns throughout the Algarve have been decorated with thousands of Christmas lights in preparation for the Festive Season.

Christmas street decorations are taken seriously and make locals proud. National and international visitors are left in awe with the effort made to have the best decorations in exhibit.

This makes the Algarve a pleasure to visit at this time and gives true meaning to the expression: ‘Lighten up: it’s Christmas!’

Excellent weather and beautiful beaches during the day and pretty decorated streets at night!

In Portimão some 40 streets and squares have been decorated and, as with last year an impressive 25 metre Christmas tree can be appreciated in Alameda Square – Praça da República. The decorations remain in place until around the 7th January.

In the run up to Christmas many will enjoy Christmas Carols and Concerts whilst the young ones will be entertained with a temporary ice rink & ramp and artificial snow machines. There will also be a life-size nativity scene as well as a Father Christmas parade accompanied by plenty of musical entertainment!

Location: Alameda da Praça da República, Portimão
Google Map

Update: On Saturday 6th December watch thousands of young Father Xmas and their parents at the Father Xmas Parade. From 3PM @ Alameda da Praça da República, Portimão. These will be accompanied by street entertainers & clowns, balloons, DJ and plenty fun musical sounds. Join the Xmas Party! All you need is a Xmas hat (provided)!

The parade will pass by the Praça 1º de Maio square where you will be able to enjoy the life-size nativity scene.

Visit this blog for further details on cutlural activities in the coming weeks and months.

Seasons Greeting’s to the visitors of our blog and guests at Algarve Holiday Studio!

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Algarve Holiday Studio: http://www.geocities.com/algarve_holiday/
For a memorable stay at Praia da Rocha, Algarve!

‘Memory box’ at Portimão’s Municipal Museum: An exhibition that pays tribute to cod fishermen of yesteryear

Some 20 000 photos and records of crew members of cod trawlers and officials that were involved in this activity between 1935 and 1974 have been collected.

In this exhibit and tribute to those involved in this harsh activity, fishermen from Portimão, Alvor, Ferragudo, Lagos, Vila do Bispo, Sagres, Aljezur, Monchique and Silves can be identified.

Until 1st February 2009
Tuesday from 2.30PM until 6PM; Wednesday to Sunday from 10AM to 6PM
Entrance is Free of Charge

Venue: Portimão Museum, Rua D. Carlos I, 8500 - 607 Portimão Tel. (+351) 282 412 238



Location Map:

View Larger Map

Links & Notes:

The Museum of Portimão is a modern museum with a focus on the fishing industry and others associated with it. This is particularly appropriate since the fishing industry was once the main activity of Portimão and other similar towns throughout the Algarve.
Located in the pretty and relaxing Riverside area of the city; the museum is well worth a visit!

Atlantic cod (Wikipedia)

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Algarve Holiday Studio: http://www.geocities.com/algarve_holiday/
For a memorable stay at Praia da Rocha, Algarve !

St. Martin’s Fair in Portimão: An exceptional Fair that dates back to 1662!

One of the most important Fairs in the annual calendar is now open until Sunday 16th November.

It’s a traditional fair dating back to 1662 during the reign of King Afonso VI of Portugal (The Victorious) . The fair was created to celebrate St. Martin's Day (November 11).

At the Fair (Feira) you find entertainment for people of all ages !

You will find exhibit stands of different industries, food products, bric-a-brac, metalwork, porcelain, utensils made of copper, clothes and shoes, quilts and many others.

Foodwise expect to sample the traditional roasted chestnuts, the fried-dough pastry ‘farturas’ (known also as churros in Spain and other countries), grilled octopus, popcorn and lots of other foods at the restaurants present at the Fair.

9th - 15th November, 10AM to Midnight
Sunday 16th November 10AM to 23PM

Location: Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Portimão

Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Portimão is easily accessible from the centre of Portimão by car or local bus. It’s within walking distance from Portimão’s Riverside Area.

Location Map:

View Larger Map

Links & Notes:

St. Martin started out as a Roman soldier who is understood to have been a kind man.

The most famous legend of his life is that he cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm, to save the beggar from dying of cold.

Throughout Portugal, St. Martin's Day is celebrated by eating roast chestnuts and drinking sweet wines (Jeropiga)

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Algarve Holiday Studio: http://www.geocities.com/algarve_holiday/
For a memorable stay at Praia da Rocha, Algarve !

Predicted weather at Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Algarve next week – Sunday 9th to Saturday 15th November, 2008

Praia da Rocha : More than 300 days of sunshine every year!

For a large picture of the above click here: Weather at Praia da Rocha

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Algarve Holiday Studio: http://www.geocities.com/algarve_holiday/
For a memorable stay at Praia da Rocha, Algarve !

Sports car racing takes off at Algarve Motor Park, Portimão! Spanish GT Championship, 7- 9 November

Following the success of the SuperBike racing competition at the Algarve Motor Park (including the guest appearance of Michael Schumacher) it is now time to move over to cars with the Spanish GT Championship: Campeonato de España de GT !

Friday 7th November to Sunday 9th November 2008
Venue: Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, Portimão, Portugal

Programme details:
http://www.gtsport.es/index.asp?pagina=gt-spain&lang=en

Tickets from €15 (3 day event or 1 day event)
Tickets can be bought here: http://trackshop.autodromodoalgarve.com/default.aspx


Location: The Autódromo Internacional do Algarve is located near the city of Portimão, in Sítio do Escampadinho in the parish of Mexilhoeira Grande. This is about 4.5 kilometres north of the Algarve motorway (A22), with a direct road link via the motorway exit at Mexilhoeira Grande.
The cities of Portimão and Lagos are a 10-minute drive away.

Notes and Links:

‘The Spanish GT Championship (Campeonato de España de GT) is a Spanish auto racing series founded in 1999 and organised by the GT Sport Organización. The series runs multiple classes of grand tourer cars in events around Spain and Portugal.’

‘For racing events, Spanish GT has changed very little since its inception. Each event consists of two races of equal distance, one run on Saturday and the other on Sunday. Each race has its own qualifying session to determine the grid. The races both count towards the points championship, effectively doubling the series schedule.’ (Wikipedia)

‘The 2-hours race in Portimão on 9 November will be another historic event (after the inauguration of the Valencia Street Circuit last July), as this will be the very first international race in the superb new facility built in the Algarve.’ http://www.gtsport.es/index.asp?pagina=gt-spain&lang=en

Spanish GT Sport official Website

‘Michael Schumacher ((born January 3, 1969, in Hürth-Hermülheim, Germany) is a former Formula One driver, seven-time world champion, and current advisor and occasional test driver for Ferrari. According to the official Formula One website, he is "statistically the greatest driver the sport has ever seen". (Wikipedia)

Official site of the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (Algarve Motor Park)


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Algarve Holiday Studio: http://www.geocities.com/algarve_holiday/
For a memorable stay at Praia da Rocha, Algarve !

‘Visions of the South’ 1st Portimão International Film Festival

The 1st Portimão International Film Festival is showing different types of films (fiction, documentaries and animation), with travelling and journeys as a central theme.

The Festival is also inspired by Manuel Teixeira Gomes, politician and writer from Portimão, that travelled widely in the South of Europe and North of Africa in search of different cultures.

13 films are being exhibited over 5 days.

Venue: Museu de Portimão
Portimão Riverside, Rua D. Carlos I, 8500 - 607 Portimão
Tel. (+351) 282 412 238

Programme:

Tuesday 4th Nov.
21h30 O ADEUS À BRISA, Possidónio Cachapa, documentary, Portugal, 2008, 52 min

Wednesday 5th Nov.
19h00 JELLYFISH, Etgar Keret, Shira Geffen, fiction, Israel, 2007, 75 min
21h30 VOYAGE IN G MAJOR, Georgi Lazarevski, documentary, France, 2006, 54 min
AS THE SUN BEGINS TO SET, Julie Moggan, documentary, UK, 2006, 60 min

Thursday 6th Nov.
19h00 MY MARLON AND BRANDO, fiction, Turkey/Holland/UK, 2008, 92 min
21h30 WWW-WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD, Faouzi Bensaidi, fiction, Morocco /France/Germany, 99 min

Friday 7th Nov.
19h00 YO, Rafa Cortés,fiction, Spain, 2007, 98 min
21h30 TAXI WALA, Lola Frederich, fiction, Spain, 2007, 98 min
OFFSIDE, Jafar PAnahi, fiction.Iran, 2006, 99 min

Saturday 8th Nov.
16h00 NA ARMY OF ANTS, Wissam Charaf, fiction, France, 2007, 23 min
SOUS LES BOMBES, Philippe Aractingi, fiction., France/Lebanon, 2007, 98 min
19h00 BAB SEBTA, Frederico Lobo. Pedro Pinho, documentary., Portugal, 2008,90 min
21h30 THE YACOUBIAN BUILDING, Marwan Hamed, fiction.,Egipt, 2006, 165min

Ticket prices: €2 per film session; €3 for 2 sessions; €12 for all film sessions


Links & Notes

Details of films and film-makers.

'Manuel Teixeira Gomes, Portimão, May 27, 1862 - Bougie, October 18, 1941) was a Portuguese political figure. He served as the president of Portugal between 5 October 1923 and 11 December 1925.' (Wikipedia)


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Algarve Holiday Studio: http://www.geocities.com/algarve_holiday/
For a memorable stay at Praia da Rocha, Algarve !

What’s On in the Algarve in November 2008

An International Film Festival, Portuguese popular music, Classical music, Fado, Cabaret-style dance shows, Golf, Car racing and, of course, St. Martin Day celebrations are the hallmarks of this November!

Lots of cultural and sports activities in the ideal place to relax and unwind: That’s the Algarve for you!

A great place to visit anytime of the Year!

Obtain this brochure in hard copy at Faro Airport (in the Tourist Office) and in all Tourist Offices in the Algarve or you can download it from here:

What’s On in the Algarve in November 2008



There is more to the Algarve than ‘Sun, Sea & Sand’!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Algarve Holiday Studio: http://www.geocities.com/algarve_holiday/
For a memorable stay at Praia da Rocha, Algarve !

Concert of Bells and Cantata at Igreja do Colégio, Portimão

Church Concert Today, Saturday 1st of November 2008 at 21:30PM in the magnificent and recently renovated Igreja do Colégio, part of the celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of the Baptist Church of Portimão.

An opportunity to hear the Bells Orchestra of the Association of the Baptist Church of the North of Portugal. This orchestra from Oporto consist of 12 elements playing 36 hand bells and is unique in Portugal. The programme will include church music, classical and popular pieces accompanied by the Choral Group of the Evangelical Baptist Church of Cedofeita (Oporto).

Location: Alameda da Praça da República, Portimão

Google map

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Algarve Holiday Studio: http://www.geocities.com/algarve_holiday/
For a memorable stay at Praia da Rocha, Algarve!