For three days the small town of Loulé, Algrave shuts down. Carnival preparations, celebrations, and festive antics take over Loulé. Shops and storefronts cater to the high demand of carnival attire and accessories: costumes, masks, wigs, you name it. Having been around for over one hundred years, this event has become a staple of Portugal’s culture.
The main event, Concurso Carnevalesco is a bright street celebration is known for large floats, samba dancers, and outrageous costumed characters and giant puppets. Thousands of spectators and dancers fill Loulé’s streets each year. Some spectators enjoy the procession from above, watching as the music and people pass by from the comfort of their balconies. Loulé Carnival also features allegorical floats throughout the procession. Creators create these moving vehicles usually to mock famous Portuguese politicians or parody public figures. It’s all in good fun. Be wary, carnival goers in Loulé enjoy pelting one another with water balloons and even eggs! When at Loulé Carnival be willing to experience this century old tradition and be vigilant against those naughty masqueraders.
