The Faro motorcycle meeting starts today, July 14th, with 20,000 bikers expected at the 35th annual event.
José Amaro, president of Moto Clube de Faro, said that when he started the event, he never thought it would become an internationally recognised meeting that now attracts bikers from all over Europe.
"We never expected this. But we have worked over the years to make the meeting better and we have achieved that goal," said Amaro who is pleased that the event has helped to put the Algarve and Faro on the map.
As part of efforts to highlight safety issues, on Friday at 11:00 there will be a Mass for bikers who have lost their lives over the years. The organisers and police hope the participants comply with the safety rules and that the event comes to an end without any death or serious injury.
The motorcycle parade through Faro city is on Sunday evening and the mayor, Rogério Bacalhau said that “everything is ready and the stage is set for a big party" over the four days.
In previous years the event has been marred by over-frequent police checks on drivers, many of whom were stopped multiple times over the four day event.
Last year there was an easing of police presence and a greater official cooperation with management.
There was one fatal accident in 2015 when a pedestrian was stuck by a motorcycle near the Vale das Almas event venue but certainly fewer overall problems.
The Saturday night headline act this year is Fun Lovin' Criminals from New York whose musical style is described as eclectic, covering styles such as hip-hop, rock, blues, jazz, soul, punk, and funk.
Portugal's answer to Status Quo, Xutos & Pontapés, which formed in 1978 four years after the Revolution, also will be performing.
Tickets are available at the gate. More details at: http://www.motoclubefaro.pt/home.html
To see some of the bikers arriving, go to:
