How Algarve Residents Celebrate New Year’s Eve
Wondering how New Year’s Eve is celebrated if you are living in the Algarve? Maybe you are thinking of relocating and want to know if you are going to miss out on some of the traditional party nights in your home country.
To answer this question in short, you will not be disappointed. Bringing in the New Year in the Algarve is one of the best parties of the year!
Parties & Entertainment Planned Across the Algarve
News Years Eve, Véspera de Ano Novo or Réveillon in Portuguese, is celebrated in style. More so this year in 2022 as we missed out last year due to covid restrictions. So this year promises to be extra special!
With parties and entertainment planned across the region and best of all most are free, it has attracted many visitors from both abroad and Portuguese people from further afield.
The Best Places to Celebrate
The main celebrations are open air in the towns of Vila Real de Santo Antonio & Monte Gordo, Tavira, Faro, Vale do Lobo, Quarteira, Albufeira, Armação de Pêra, Portimão and Lagos.
With live entertainment and shows leading up to spectacular firework displays lighting up the night sky on the last chime of midnight. With further entertainment is planned to go on late into the night and bars open until early morning.
However, most bars and restaurants open their doors during the Xmas period and leading up to New Year’s Eve giving plenty of options for those wanting to celebrate indoors!
One tip for those thinking of venturing into one of the main towns to bring in the New year is to arrive early as parking becomes impossible the closer to midnight it gets. I myself have been caught in the car trying to park in Albufeira as the New Year rang in! I would say it is definitely the busiest night of the year with thousands turning out to celebrate.
Portuguese Traditions & Superstitions
Local Algarve traditions for the New Year include:
- Wearing coloured underwear: Many people go for blue underwear on new year’s eve (symbolising all things good), red (luck in love), yellow (or gold, for money) or white (for all things good)!
- Eating grapes: At midnight on New Year’s Eve eat 12 grapes, one for each stroke of the midnight chimes. This tradition is also believed to bring good luck for the coming year.
- Making a toast: At midnight on New Year’s Eve, it is traditional for people in the Algarve to raise a toast to the new year, typically with a glass of champagne or other sparkling wine.
To Conclude – The Outlook is Promising
With the weather set to be fair this year, it looks like everyone will be able to enjoy the free outdoor entertainment and street parties across the region.
New Year’s day is a public holiday and is usually spent recovering from the festivities with family and friends, however, if you are feeling brave enough you could join the New Year’s day charity dip in the sea in Armação de Pêra!
This just leaves us all at Gatehouse International Algarve to wish all our clients and associates, where ever you are in the world, all the best for the festivities and of course a prosperous new year.
Mark McLoughlin: A Passionate Explorer of Algarve’s Rich Heritage
For over 20 years, I’ve called the Algarve my home, immersing myself in its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and deep-rooted history. My passion lies in sharing this remarkable region’s unique beauty and stories through writing, photography, and helpful guides for those who live here or dream of making the Algarve their home.
As a Level 10 Google Local Guide, I’ve contributed extensively to showcasing the Algarve’s gems, from hidden beaches to historical landmarks, helping locals and travellers alike discover the best of what this southern paradise offers.