Fairs and Festivals

We had a big debate about whether or not we would take the drive from Estoi, up through the mountains and across the plain to Alcoutim for the 14th annual Feira de Doces D’Avo (Grandmother’s Sweet’s Festival).  Didn’t take us long to recall that it’s rarely about the destination but more about the journey and we happen to love that route.

And so, we headed off around 11h00 with the thought of stopping in Martim Longo for lunch, something we’ve done for the last three or four years, then finish the drive and arrive in Alcoutim around 15h00 knowing the festival was scheduled to commence at 14h00.

Lunch was, as it always is at Restaurante Monte Branco, fabulous.  We seven had various items and I can unequivocally say there wasn’t much of a morsel left on any plate.  The biggest indication of good food was the silence around the table as we ate.  One of the things we did get to enjoy, besides the food, was the nesting storks outside.

Alcoutim was quite lively and busy when we arrived and we had to park a distance from the main area, which wasn’t a bad thing as we got to work off some of our lunch.  On route to the river side we noticed a number of trees wrapped in colourful materials.  Yarn bombing is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre rather than paint or chalk.  I’ve been told that it is frequent here in the Algarve to celebrate spring.

I always love the walking about in these smaller towns, especially during any festival activity as it’s a photographers dream!

Dancing with his pashmina??

I love the expression on their faces. The conversation was lively and fun.

A Portuguese alarm system???

The poster for this years event.

Sanlucar de Guadiana, on the Spanish side.

Sanlucar de Guadiana, on the Spanish side.

Despite the heavy skies and the threat of rain, the place was packed and the energy festive and lively.  We all headed off to have a look at the wares of the day and people watch.  Some, not all, had an eye to purchasing.

Jean and Louise……they are both retired but we think we’ve found a new occupation for them!!

A sample of some of the sweets available.

I don’t care for anything sweet but this appealed to my eye.

Everything looked mouthwatering and inviting.

You can see the storm off in the distance over the Guadiana. It did eventually pour for about 15 minutes but we were all snug and dry under the canopy of the festival.

Patricia had a grand chat with a Portuguese woman, who did not speak English. I can only imagine what they took away from each other.

Mister Happy with his slice of honey cake.

The oleander is blooming and this was literally at the edge of the canopy so I didn’t have to get wet to take it.

Look at that face!!!! Zooming in on THE dessert he wants to enjoy as his birthday dessert. He saved himself for this moment.

All Portuguese flags are at half mast in support of the people from Germany who were killed in the horrific bus crash in Maderia.

Soft, fragrant and quite lovely in the mist.

It needs to be said that Pat accosted the Easter Bunny and not the other way around.

High up on the wall I could see this lovely pink rose bush.

I loved seeing the Canadian fly flying proudly on this boat anchored on the Spanish side of the Guadiana.

Look at the lovely colours on this fellow.

Simple beauty.

I spotted these two high on the roof of a building as we headed back to the car.

And just beside the car, a cactus blooming. I adore seeing these unusual blooms each year.

The drive home was pretty challenging as it poured, at times blindingly so.  We simply took our time, arriving safely and full of wonderful memories of another day in the Algarve. It had been a good decision to go.

This morning we decided to head to Vila Real de Santo António, once again on the Guadiana.  We had seen a notice for a handicraft fair being held in the main square and thought it would be fun.  AS it turned out, it was disappointing only because many of the vendors did not show up, probably because there was another threat of rain….which happily, never manifested.  We did enjoy the day with wandering, a bit of shopping (for some)  and a leisurely lunch on a patio.

We’d had enough of seeing sweets yesterday but this table did catch someones eye!!!

People were enjoying people watching and sampling the treats.

And look who we bumped into…..I wonder if the sign in front of them was a warning to us????

We wandered down a street that I don’t recall being on before and I spotted this lovely old building.

The facade was quite beautiful and fairly well maintained. I especially appreciated the design on the top.

Detail of the design on the top.

And last, but certainly not least……the flip side of shopping!!!

Despite the inclement weather we managed to have a great day, as always, peppered with laughter and enjoyment.  We three wish all our family and friends a very happy Easter.  Our Sunday will probably be a quiet one as we’ve all expressed the desire to have an “at home” day and tomorrow feels like a perfect day for just that.