Carnaval de Loulé is the oldest continuous pre-Lenten party in Portugal, with 119 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 2-4 March along Avenida José da Costa Mealha, are full of floats, samba groups, Brazilian dancers and giant costumed characters, providing a rhythmic beat, lots of laughs and pure enjoyment.
Carnaval Parade – 2, 3 & 4 Feb at 15:00
The theme for this year’s carnaval is “O Caranaval não é numa seca” or “Carnaval is not boring!” In fact, the carnaval parade boasts 15 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 18:00.
Themes of the floats will focus on the water shortage in the Algarve, making fun of the growth of avocado farming (consuming more water than other crops) and the new desalination plant.
However, much of the sarcastic fun points directly to international politicians and celebrities. For 2025, one float will feature Trump and his anti-immigration policy, including deporting Kamala Harris to Mexico. Another pokes fun at former prime minister António Costa acting as a strongman on the European Council. And, let’s not leave out Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently signed a new agreement with his club in Saudi Arabia.
Children’s Carnaval – Friday, 28 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, 3 March 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.
Ticket booths are set up at the entrances to the parade
Proceeds benefit the associations participating in the parade (50%) and IPSS (50%).
Hours: Between 15:00 and 18:00 each day.
Photos courtesy of CM Loulé