Christmas Season Newsletter from Portugal
Christmas Shopping in Baixa, Chiado
For those hunting for the ideal present, pay a visit to the pedestrian areas of Baixa and Chiado, as well as the elegant Avenida da Liberdade, where beautiful Christmas lights and profuse decorations provide a festive warming glow and every single shop is packed with gift ideas.
New Year's Eve Party
This super event marking the transition from the Old to the New Year is staged usually near the River Tagus in the waterfront, from Parque das Nações to Belém. Concerts with famous names as well as street entertainment and, of course, magnificent fireworks! Turismo de Lisboa T: +351 210 312 700
www.visitlisboa.com
Lisboa Nightlife Guide
A Nightlife and Restaurant Guide is now available at the Lisboa Tourism Association outlets and bookshops throughout Portugal. It incorporates the best restaurants, cafés, esplanades, bars and nightclubs, from the most well-know to the most alternative. It is a single bilingual edition organized by districts where you can drink, dine and dance till dawn. www.visitlisboa.com
"Festa dos Tabuleiros" in Tomar
Mark your calendar for 2007, since this spectacular festival only comes every four years! With remote origins, dating late 13th century, these are not only one of the most ancient and genuine manifestations of popular tradition and religion, but also a unique show of colour and splendor. The town of Tomar is the former seat of the Knights of Templar and will hold the next "Festa dos Tabuleiros" from June 30 to July 9, 2007. The Holy Ghost celebrations, reminiscent on the Christian appropriation of ancient pagan rites linked to fertility, are still maintained in these festivities. On the main day, watch a procession of hundreds of white-clad girls ["virgins"] carrying trays [the "Tabuleiros"] on their heads, ornamented with golden bread and magnificent flowers. The headdress alone can weigh 30 pounds and be as tall as the woman who carries it. Other processions follow, like the one with smartly dressed children carrying small trays and flower baskets throughout the streets. Learn more by visiting www.rtt.ipt.pt
Belmonte Palácio Hotel
Located in the “Alfama”, on the eastern side of the hillside of Lisbon’s St George’s Castle, the present Palácio building dates back to 1449. However, it incorporates part of the oldest city walls, built in the third century BC. The international press has been fascinated by the story of Belmonte, ever since learning of it in late 1999, and two films have so far been staged there. Besides turning up in selected guides such as Gallivanter's and Luis Vuitton's French/English publication in 2000, it was named as one of the “21 coolest hotels" in the British version of Conde Nast Traveller and included in the “Hot List 2000″ of its American edition and later featured on its front cover. The ambiance of Palácio Belmonte is both elegant and comfortable, reflecting its origins. It has a splendid range of social, dining and entertainment areas, its own chapel and several terraces with fantastic views, an attractive garden with swimming pool and some magnificent accommodation. The whole Palácio can be rented for special weekends, from Friday evening to Sunday morning: all the 8 suites, sitting-rooms and garden, with services provided by butler, housekeeper, cook and a secretary, for the price of € 17.000,00 (catering not included). More at:
www.portugalvirtual.pt/belver
Low cost Ryanair now operating between Faro and Madrid
Ryanair has just inaugurated daily flights between the cities of Faro and Porto in Portugal and the Spanish capital, Madrid, from as little as € 10.
For information on services and reservations: www.ryanair.com
Websites: www.visitportugal.com / www.imagesofportugal.com
November 30, 2006
Posted in: Portugal