The Easter weekend is approaching, and warm days are expected for those who have chosen the Algarve to spend this festive season.
If you are in the municipality of Loulé, here are some activity suggestions:
Vilamoura Nature Run
A race in total communion with nature will take place on April 8th, Saturday, at 10:30 am. The start will be at Vilamoura Marina, and there will be various trails with distances for all preferences: 6, 11, and 16 km. Participants will traverse natural landscapes, passing through the Environmental Park and other green areas flourishing with spring. There will be a water distribution point along the route, and the event will end with a social gathering. Organized by the Free Challenge Association, you can register [here](link here). The organization will donate €1 from each registration to Mulherando, the Portuguese Association to Support Women with Endometriosis.
Mercado da Vila (Vilamoura)
Already a regular presence in Vilamoura, on Avenida Tivoli, the Mercado da Vila returns on April 7th and 8th, Friday and Saturday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Pay a visit and explore the variety of stalls with handmade and national products, clothing, jewelry, among others. There will also be a street food area with snacks to suit various tastes.
Mercadinho da Páscoa (Quarteira)
In its 7th edition, the Easter Market returns to Rua Vasco da Gama, in Quarteira, from April 4th to 8th, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Organized by the Junta de Freguesia de Quarteira, this event boosts local commerce and tourism, offering visitors about 20 stalls with various products, from handicrafts and jewelry to regional sweets. Everyone is welcome, and children will have their space for fun in front of the Municipal Center, with inflatables, balloon modeling, egg painting workshop, and face painting. On April 8th, Saturday, there will be a giant Easter cake at 3:30 pm, measuring 135 meters in length and distributed to those present.
Festa Pequena da Mãe Soberana (Loulé)
In the city of Loulé, as tradition dictates on Easter Sunday, the Mãe Soberana (Sovereign Mother) will descend in a procession from the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora de Piedade to the Church of São Francisco. Various faithful and locals join, shouting "Viva a Mãe Soberana" behind the men carrying the litter and the philharmonic band setting the procession's rhythm. This marks the beginning of the festivities of Mãe Soberana, which continue for 15 days with various liturgical and cultural events, culminating in the well-known Festa Grande da Mãe Soberana on April 23rd, marking the return of the patroness to "Her Home." The descent of the image from the chapel will begin at 5:00 pm.
March 5, 2023