Silves, Algarve - a walk around town

Silves can be traced back to 1.000 BC. Evidence shows that it had importance even in Roman times but it really became a significant place during its occupation in the early 11th Century by the Moors.

The castle is believed to have been erected on top of late Roman Visigothic fortifications dating from the 4th or 5th century and was started around 715 by the first Moorish occupants. There is also an old Roman Bridge (Ponte Romana), which crosses the river.
The city’s Gothic Cathedral (Sé Velha) was built in the 13th century on the site of a Mosque.

It continued to be an important city, especially for trade, until the 15th century but when the River Arade became blocked with silt  the city lost its access to the sea. There is still an old Roman Bridge that crosses the river.

Most of the town and nearly all its ancient buildings were destroyed by the earthquake of 1755, however today it is a highly visited city
and a peaceful little town …….. lets go take a look !! Click on picture for video of Silves

SILVES VIDEO

SILVES VIDEO

Algarve Events-schedule for 2010 (with past video coverage)

Every year the Algarve puts on a series of events that have become a tradition in the region. Algarve Channel 5 has covered many of these events so that you can now see what they are all about on VIDEO !

Below are links to various events, and the approximate date in which you can expect the upcoming 2010 events. OR GO DIRECTLY - CLICK HERE FOR A SELECTION OF ALL KINDS ALGARVE VIDEOS INCLUDING MANY BEACHES, TOWNS, HIKES, GOLF COURSES AND MORE !!.

OR click on the links directly beside each event listed below ….

March 6-7 2010 - The Chorizo Festival in Monchique - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

This is a very traditional type fair where of course you find plenty of sausage to eat on location and to take home. Lot’s of very traditional vendors selling local goods as well. Each night has live performances.

End of May 2010 - The Snail Festival (Carrocal) in Castro Marim - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Enjoy snails galore in Castro Marim. This is a new festival for the region, but last year was a great turnout and everyone had alot of fun.
There were 4 countries cooking up snails in their own traditional way with live music in the later evening. The Venue is set in the new interpretation center built just on the outskirts of the town. Sit under the stars and enjoy the variety of snails.

Beginning of June 2010 - The Wonders of Sagres in Sagres - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Step back in time with this event in Sagres. Lot’s of “medieval” festivities happening, merchants selling assorted goods. It is in the Fort so the location is AMAZING and the views are FANTASTIC. Music fills the air, sword fights, jesters etc help bring you into the spirit.

June 11 - 13 2010 International Showjumping Competition Portimão CSI 4 at Sociedade Hipica de Belmonte, Portimão. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
This is a peaceful and enjoyable day watching a beautiful animal compete with some of the best in the sport. If you have a day to spend here and what to do something a little bit different I suggest to check it out. View the competition from last year see the video here. It was a UPSET victory!

June 23 - 26 2010 - Festival Med in Loule - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Loule puts on a great party in the historic part of town. Streets are closed off and lined with vendors selling a variety of goods. There are several areas where different types of music is played. Enjoy over 40 live performances over these 4 nights including the venue inside the castle walls, great ambiance!
The streets also have piped music so your never without sound while you stroll the streets in between performances. The town is full of life, it’s a great time and worth a visit.

Beginning of July 2010 - Algarve Classic Cars starts in Villamoura - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

If you love classic cars this is the biggest collection of the oldies you can find anywhere in the Iberian Peninsula. The cars date back to the early 1900’s and the selection and range of years is quite amazing. The event gets going at the VIlamoura Marina where we can check out these cars for the day as the park in one central area. The following day the cars strut their stuff through the streets of the Algarve including the towns of Loule, Albufeira and Portimao.There are also “races” that take place, it’s a fun time.

July 16 -18  The Le Mans race returns to the Algarve - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Check out last years action at the Portimao Autodrome. This was the first time Lemans came to Portugal and it is back again this year.
It’s was intense action and we got right alongside the track to see these cars zoom by close up. The paddock was also open to spectators where you could get autographs of the racers and see their cars close up. We have two video’s of the days events, check them out.

Mid July 2010 - Nights of the Enchanted Moor in Cecela Velha - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Cecela Velha is a very small town found in the Eastern part of the Algarve. During this the event this entire little town is filled with merchants selling a variety of North African goods and of course the food as well. To get you further in the spirit there is belly dancers, snake charmers, camel rides and more.

Late July 2010 - Arte Doce Festival in Lagos - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Can you say SUGAR !! HMMM… if you love sweets this is the place to be. It’s the biggest event of it’s type in the region and the selection of traditional Algarve sweets really can’t be beat. Take home boxes are also very popular :-) Of course there are meals to be had other then sugar and you can catch a live band every evening. Come on out and experience the BUZZ in the air.

Early to mid August 2010 - Sardinha Festival in Portimao - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Sardinha´s are one of THE most recognized foods in the Algarve so it only makes sense that they have a festival dedicated to these delicious and nutritious little fish! The smell of the Sardines grilling fills the air cause let’s face it at least 10,000 of these babies are grilled up every day…WOW. SO if you love Sardines (and by the way if you don’t there are other foods to eat as well) come on out. There are planty of merchants to stroll about after dinner and at around 10 PM watch the live acts on stage.

Mid August 2010 - Festival do Marisco (Shellfish) in Olhao - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

The selection of Shellfish at this event was absolutely amazing and the prices of the dishes we really reasonable and it was very tasty !
Enjoy the outdoor venue right by the Olhao Market (a great place to buy fresh fish). The doors only open around 7 PM so it’s a dinner only event. Plenty of tables are there to accommodate the hungry seafood lovers. As with many Algarve festivals this one has it’s share of local vendors selling all kinds of goodies and there is live music every evening.

August 7 - 15 2010 - Silves Medieval Festival in Silves - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLICK HERE FOR PART 2 VIDEO

Silves will step back to the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries …
The streets of the historic town centre will be bustling with life, exuding a distinctive atmosphere in a unique setting and environment. Along the city’s streets, alleyways, cul-de-sacs and corners, visitors will encounter typical scenes from everyday medieval life.
Beggars, traveling musicians, jugglers, exotic characters and processions of wealthy citizens are just some of the attractions that await you in this journey to the past.

End of August 2010 - Fatacil in Lagoa - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

This is THE BIGGEST fair in the region and is running into I believe it’s 31st year. There is literally something for everyone here. Lot’s of food, lot’s of entertainment, lots of stuff to buy and lot’s of interesting information make it a complete fair for the whole family !

August 26 - 29 2010 - Castro Marim Medieval Days - CLICK HERE FOR PART 1 CLICK HERE FOR PART 2 VIDEO

During this event, Castro Marim will transform into a medieval stage, recreating various experiences from life in the Middle Ages, including tournaments, traditional games, street entertainment, medieval crafts and other traditional shows. History brought to life.

Loule historic Town, Market and More !

Loule is a bustling little town about 25 - 30 Km from the sea. The County of Loule is famous for it’s 5 star luxury resorts, the Vale do Lobos’ and Quinta do Lagos’ but Loule the town has a good resident population that stays all year around, thus being one of bigger cities in the region. It has a nice historic centre, a GREAT market and the outer parts of town are growing at quite a fast pace. Check out these two video’s on the new and old of Loule ….Enjoy just click on the Pictures below.

Loule Around Town

Loule Around Town

Historic Loule

BE HIP Show - Algarve Events and News for Feburary/March 2010

TO WATCH THE VIDEO SHOW ON ALGARVE EVENTS CLICK ON BELOW TEXT

Feb 16 - Semianyki - means Family in Russian

Plastic movement and mime, musical accompaniment and pure expressive power replace words. Laughter and tears, joy and sorrow, good and evil. The Licedei is ranked among the world’s leading companies in the clown theatre category.
At the Portimao Theatre on Feb 16th at 21:30 - one night only tickets cost €10.
www.teatromunicipaldeportimao.pt or call 282 402 475

Feb 16th - Pancake races on the beach.
If you like pancakes and the tradition of Shrove Tuesday then head down to Armação de Pêra Beach and join the folks at Hotel Garbe for their annual pancake race, prizes for all and pancakes to be had at the end for a very reasonable €1.50 - €2.50 Proceeds going to the APAA.
www.thehotelgarbe.com or call 282 320 260 ask for Jane

Feb 17 to 21 - 36th Tour do Algarve.
Now is your chance to see cycling greats pedal their way thorough the Algarve Countryside in this 4 day event. Many top competitors will be here including the tour de France champion Alberto Contador.
www.ciclismo-algarve.com or call 289 463 628

Feb 20 - Hoje performs - which is a offshoot band comprising of members from The Gift and Moonspell will be performing at the Arade Congress Centre one night only Wednesday Feb 20th at 21:30 . They will be performing songs from the Album Amália Hoje. Tickets are ⁄€10.
www.teatromunicipaldeportimao.pt or call 282 402 475

Feb 20 - 28 Portimão Tivoli Ladies Open. This International competition counts towards the WTA professional world ranking for singles and doubles. Enjoy the competition of over 150 woman from all over the world play at the Portimão Municipal Tennis Complex From Feb 20 - 28. The games start at 10 am each day.
www.tenisportimao.com or call 282 418 780

Feb 20 - March 6 - The 10th Albufeira Festival of Children’s and Youth Art is happening at the Municipal Theatre. The competition is for children between the ages of 6 and 17. They will be showing off their talents whether it through singing, dancing, musical instruments etc. There will be judging over 2 heats and the final will be held on March 6th. All competitions start at 16:00 at the Albufeira Municipal Theatre.
www.cm-albufeira.pt or call 289 599 500

Feb 21 - Musicas do Mundo - Music of the world. Held one day only at the Teatro Das Fiuras in Faro the show starts at 12:00 runs one one and features the music of Asia. Tickets cost €10.
Visit www.teatromunicipaldefaro.pt or call 289 888 110

Feb 25 - Dinner Theatre at Hotel Garbe. - Up, Down and Sideways. Enjoy 4 short comidies
and a great 3 course dinner at the Raj Indian Restaurant, includes wine and coffee. Cost €30 per person event runs from 19:00 - 23:00.
www.thehotelgarbe.com or call 282 320 260

Feb 28 - Bowl of Soup anyone ??

Get out your appetite and taste buds for a big soup fest in it’s 6th year!
Enjoy the specialty soups from various restaurants in the Albufeira area. They are all coming together to deliver some yummy hot soup’s at the Multipurpose hall in Albufeira. It’s over lunch starts at 13:00.

March 6 - 7 - The XVII Annual Sausage Fair is taking place in Monchique. Enjoy a large variety of sausage both to eat while here and take home for later. Plenty of venders selling traditional local products such as sweets, honey & medronho. Also Enjoy live music from Xaile on Saturday evening and Mendes.com on Sunday afternoon. CLICK ON THE PICTURE FOR VIDEO.
www.cm-monchique.pt or call 282 910 200

March 11 - 14th - The 5th World Rhythmic Gymnastics event is taking place at the Portimão Arena. The event is to be attended by some the best in the sport. Enjoy the action over 4 days. Visit the Portimão city hall website for scheduled event times.
Visit www.cm-portimao.pt or call 282 470 700

Until March 21 - 9th Portimão Photography Competition

Enjoy photographic works in analogue, digital and under water categories. The show runs until March 21 at the Portimão Museum. Tuesdays from 14:30 -18:00 and Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 - 18:00 . Call 282 405 265 for more details.

Be HIP Show - Dec 15 - Jan 14 … Enjoy the season in the Algarve !!!

Well the last BE HIP  show is online for 2009.  Lots of great things happening in the region, including PLENTY of fireworks! The region is full of great Christmas lights too which you can also see in this video.We Start in Vila Real and end in Lagos …. enjoy the journey….Happy Holidays !!!

Be sure to keep checking back with Algarve Channel 5 as we are adding new video all the time.
Our channel has over 13 hours of content ranging from Algarve beautiful beaches, towns, history, great hikes, and golf courses.

COME ON IN AND EXPLORE THE ALGARVE.

SEE YOU IN 2010 !!

BE HIP CHRISTMAS SHOW

BE HIP CHRISTMAS SHOW

Casinos do Algarve Rallye - Algarve Rally 2009 with awards !!

Another fun filled day in the Monchique mountains took place this Sunday November 22nd. We caught several action packed cars go by in this years Casinos do Algarve rallye.
The first place car going into this series of specials remained on top ! We caught them in the hills and at the winners circle …. watch [...]

Guinness World Record - Human Mattress Dominos Video (Check it Out!!)

The Algarve played host to the latest attempt at the world record for human mattress domino’s. The event was organized by the School São Lourenço here in the Algarve. The event took place on November 12th 2009 at the main stadium Algarve. Plenty of people showed up and the results were WELL ……
TAKE A LOOK [...]

BE HIP SHOW - Nov 15 - Dec 14 - ALGARVE NEWS, EVENTS AND WEATHER

Thanks for stopping by for the latest going on here in the Algarve. Sorry you have missed these events, but below is a transcript of all that went on during this time ….

Be sure to keep checking back with Algarve Channel 5 as we are adding new video all the time.
Our channel has over [...]

Algarve Historic Festival - Video

Hi Everyone,
Attended the Opening day at the Portimao Autodrome Friday Oct 16. Was a GREAT day ! Caught lots of action, sat in a few race cars, got up close and personal with lots of classic race car models and even got to interview Bobby Rahal and Robert Harvey. Bobby was racing his 1970 Chevron [...]

BE HIP SHOW - OCT 15 - NOV 14 - ALGARVE NEWS, EVENTS AND WEATHER

Hi and thanks for stopping by. If you happened to come along this post with one of the events mentioned below, I am afraid you have missed the event !! SO SORRY
But the good news is, there is lot’s more good stuff going on - check out the newest show at Algarve [...]