FOCUS ON Take a look at Loulé

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Focus on...Loulé

Loulé, the capital of the district of the same name, is an important rural, administrative, and active market town with over 20,000 residents. The weekly fair attracts tourists from all over the Algarve. The town’s landmark is the market hall (Mercado Municipal), which re-opened, in early 2007 after a long period of renovation. Its architecture has a classic Moorish style influence. The earthquake in 1755 destroyed, as in most other towns in the Algarve, most of the historic buildings. Today, you can only see some remains of the Arab castle. Located on the spur of a hill, which was once the site of the town, it used to boast a series of defensive walls approximately 940m in length. Three towers, a turret and a stretch of ramparts with a walkway along the top define the defensive structure. Inside lies the - “alcaidaria” - where the commander of the castle lived - which was possibly built in the 14th century and was rebuilt in the 18th century. In the courtyard of the castle there is a well, some medieval blocks and the arch of the old gateway leading to the town. There are many beautiful churches in Loulé and one which you may have seen from the motorway is the church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, a modern white domed shaped church with a smaller chapel next to it, displaying intricate religious paintings. Running beneath Loulé at depths of between 230m and 2700m are several kilometers of galleries where rock salt of great purity (90% pure) is panned, an interesting facet of Loulé’s economy, that, for the time being, is not on the tourist trail. The annual Carnival in February with its colourful procession around the centre of the city is considered one of the best in Portugal, and began in 1906. Carnival in Loulé is one of the biggest, brightest and boldest street parties in Portugal, a three-day extravaganza of mirth, mischief and merrymaking. The procession of floats heaves with a colourful theatre of costumes,

Focus on...Loulé

masks and hats. Festivities continue into the night with dancing till dawn It would seem that planning for Algarve carnivals starts early in the year, and many locals get involved, making the thousands of paper flowers that adorn the floats. Local participation in the actual events extends to the farmers, who turn out in their tractors to pull the floats. Many get into the mood of the event, with their outfits themed to suit. Everywhere you visit in the weeks leading up to the penultimate weekend of February, there are posters and signs advising of the dates and venues, with most emphasizing that attendance is free, although, due to the scale and professional nature of the Loulé carnival, a small fee is charged. Each Algarve carnival seems to have something different to offer. While the Loulé carnival is undoubtedly the most lavish (with professional samba dancers on show), there are more amateur (and enthusiastic) smaller Algarve events. While not quite so professional, the obvious pride and enjoyment in the outcome is there for all to see at the carnivals in Tavira and Moncarapacho. Smaller parades take place in the surrounding villages where the school children dress up and quite often spray each other with silly string and throw confetti. Most carnivals have a theme, and there’s much good-natured satirising of life’s woes and joys, with a particular penchant for having a tilt at politicians, both local and national. Balcony viewpoints, both private and commercial, are at a premium. And of course, nowadays, everyone is snapping away with a digital camera or mobile phone. All the events are well attended, with locals turning out to support their friends and family. Although most shops are shut, there are stalls selling local delicacies, ‘farturas’, chourico, beer and wine. One notable aspect is the wide spread of age groups among attendees. It would seem that Algarve carnivals have something for everyone The parading is done along a circuitous route, so if you missed the start of the procession, don’t worry... all the floats will pass you by at some time!