Lisbon Festivities Summer 2006
Folk festivals are invading Lisbon's historic centre and its traditional neighbour-hoods such as Castelo, Mouraria, Graça, Alfama, Ajuda and Bairro Alto, among others. Decorated with garlands and globes, the streets are filled with music and dancing to the beat of folk songs, small terracotta pots filled with basil together with the conventional rhyme to Saint Anthony – patron-saint of the city and marriages – not to mention the typical sardines eaten on the plate or just with bread. Every year, on the night of June 12 to 13, Saint Anthony's Day and a civic holiday, the typical folk parades start at 8.45 pm. Clubs and recreational associations from each neighbourhood march down Avenida da Liberdade to compete for the best display of dress, choreography and music.
To make the most of the city's festivities, wear comfortable shoes and use public transit, since there will be parking and traffic restrictions. (Subway stations: ‘Marquês de Pombal' or ‘Avenida').
www.visitlisboa.com / www.egeac.pt
Pousada de Tavira – Algarve
The ‘Pousada de Tavira – Convento da Graça' was inaugurated last May. The Graça Convent, in the historic city of Tavira in the Algarve, was founded by King D. Sebastião around 1569. It stands on the fortified hill on the site of what was once the town’s Jewish quarter. The Pousada features the convent’s 16th and 17th century Mannerism cloister, with a façade facing the main square and the central staircase, both in baroque style. The building may predate the convent, as elements in the Moorish style were discovered during the extensive restoration and incorporated in the final plans. The new establishment will offer 31 rooms, five suites, restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, swimming pool, gymnasium and a small museum area. For more information and reservations please contact the central booking office by phone 21 844 20 01 or
email: guest@pousadas.pt www.pousadasofportugal.com
Week-end at the Douro
Casa das Pipas at Quinta do Portal
Enjoy the warm weather and a well-deserved weekend at Casa das Pipas, a unique place to rest from stress and city life, especially for those who enjoy gastronomy and wine. It has 12 rooms and it's Quinta do Portal's newest project. Quinta do Portal is a fine, winemaking family business based in the Douro Valley, in Northern Portugal, one of the world’s great winegrowing areas. Situated at Sabrosa, Casa das Pipas has prepared a special program which includes two nights, three meals, wine tour, tasting and leisurely walks for the price of 169€ per person. Reservations by phone 259 937 000,
or email: reservas@quintadoportal.pt
www.quintadoportal.com
Porto’s Ancient Synagogue
A Medieval Jewish synagogue was recently discovered. It was hidden behind a false wall in the historic district of the northern capital of Porto. The ancient structure hid a carved granite casing, about five feet tall, arched at the top and facing east toward Jerusalem. It was the ark where the Jews kept the scrolls of the Torah. Pieces of the decorative green tiles in the ark further confirm its age, which experts place in the 16th century. Only two other arks from the period have been found in Portugal, one in Castelo de Vide in Alentejo, the other in Tomar, north of Lisbon. The Portuguese Institute of Architectural Heritage has authenticated this as a third one.
Jazz at the Theatre
Every Sunday mm Café, on the top level of the renovated Maria Matos Theatre, presents live jazz concerts. Entry is free, making it an excellent opportunity to visit this new cultural centre in Lisboa. Sundays, 7.30 pm, Maria de Matos Theatre, Avenida Frei Miguel Contreiras, 2 (subway station: Roma).
Website: www.visitportugal.com
June 15, 2006
Posted in: Portugal