Carnaval de Loulé is the oldest continuous pre-Lenten party in Portugal, with 118 years of celebrations. Thousands of revelers jam the streets. Those in costume strut their stuff. Others are there to watch and enjoy. The parades, each afternoon of 11-13 February, are full of floats, samba groups, Brazilian dancers and giant costumed characters, providing a rhythmic beat, lots of laughs and pure enjoyment.
Carnaval Parade – 11, 12 & 13 Feb at 15:00
The ambitious theme for 2024 is “Discovering the SDGs,” in other words, embracing the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations 2030 agenda. This means being conscious of–in a satirical way–issues such as quality education, climate action, gender equality, and the promotion of peace and justice.
For 2024, the parade will include 14 floats, and 600 entertainers consisting of entertainment troupes, samba schools, giant walking “gigantones” and big head “cabeçudos” parading down the street of Avenida José da Costa Mealha. The festivities run daily from 15:00 to 17:30.
In the characters and floats, expect to see a lot of poking fun at Portuguese politics, such as the fiasco around finding a new location for the Lisbon airport, as well as the increase in interest rates and decrease in available housing. International issues are also on the card for parody; so don’t be surprised if you see a giant Christine Lagarde, Vladimir Putin, Volodymyr Zelensky and Joe Biden.
Children’s Carnaval – Friday, 9 Feb at 10:00
The fun begins on the Friday before Carnaval, with a day dedicated to kids! The children’s carnival kicks off at 10:00. Kids come to the streets with their faces painted and in costumes for a mini version of the parade.
Grand Ball – Monday, 12 Feb at 22:00
A themed Carnaval Gala Ball is scheduled for Monday evening at 22:00 in the Salão de Festas de Loulé. Guests are asked to wear masks reflecting the theme.
See more at the Carnaval Loulé Facebook page.
Carnival Loulé
Avenida José da Costa Mealha
Loulé
Algarve
Entrance: €2.00.
Proceeds benefit the associations participating in the parade (50%) and IPSS (50%).
Hours: Between 15:00 and 17:30 each day.
Photos courtesy of CM Loulé
