For 50 years, the Algarve has been attracting tourists and nowadays foreign residents to enjoy excellent beaches, food/beverage and playing golf, tennis, etc, mainly six-seven months a year.
For a few years ago the Algarve Tourism Board offered Algarve 365, with music, dance, festivals and art along most of the year. One of the positive results was the strengthen of classic music groups.
The Orquestra Sinfónica do Algarve has existed for many years, performing mainly in Albufeira, Lagoa and Portimão. It also runs the International Piano Festival in Portimão. On October 12th it will bring Jill Lawson and maestro Armando Mota, playing Bach and Chopin.
In November 16th Zoran Imrisovic will play Debussy, Mompou and Falla. Next year, within the first three months of the year, there will be another three events.
In the Faro Museum a new exhibition brings the best of centuries. In Porches,Oktober Fest brings excellent beers and German musicians. For those who love history and outstanding rococo buildings, the Centro Nacional de Cultura organizes walking-distance visits in Lisbon, once a year, as in October 7-13.
The Casa/Museu Misericordia de Tavira has a very interesting presentation of the traditions among Jews, Christians and Islamists showing they have much in common. It arranges also guided visits to the old part of the town, where you see archeological findings from Phoenicians from around 6th century before Christ.
Jack Soifer continues to show our gastronomy at wine-tastings, mainly for businessmen/ladies, often inviting a local artisan or musician to perform. For sure, Algarve is much more than beach, sports and good dishes.
Written by Jack Soifer
jack.soifer@vidaeconomica.pt
