JANUARY 22, 2026

🌎 IN THIS ISSUE

If you were here this week...

You'd feel the Algarve settling into its January rhythm. Quieter, softer, but never boring. This week brings a beautiful mix: theatre that makes you think, a jaw-dropping Algarve Symphony Orchestra concert, and a fascinating museum talk that dives deep into Lagos' 16th-century art. Plus, the Algarve Film Week wraps up with some gems worth catching.

There's something peaceful about the region right now. Let's get into it.

🎯 TOP 3 EVENTS OF THE WEEK

1. Argentina and Brazil Embrace Each Other – Algarve Orchestra

Where: Loulé Municipal Auditorium
When: Friday, January 23 | 9:30 PM

Why it's worth it: This is a special one. The Orquestra do Algarve, led by conductor Pablo Urbina and featuring virtuoso João Barradas on bandoneón, takes you on a musical journey between Argentina and Brazil. Piazzolla meets Brazilian composer Hollanda Cavalcanti, and the result is warm, danceable, and deeply emotional. If you loved last week's bandoneón concert, this one goes even deeper into the soul of South American music.

💡 My take: The kind of concert that reminds you why live music matters. Expect passion, rhythm, and a few goosebumps.

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2. Musical Grease

Where: Teatro das Figuras, Faro
When: Friday, January 23 & Saturday, January 24

Why it's worth it: Pure nostalgia. The story of Danny and Sandy, set in California in the late 1950s, comes alive with all the classic songs, dance numbers, and that iconic love-against-the-odds energy. 

This is fun, upbeat theatre, perfect if you want a feel-good night out. The Friday or Saturday showing both promise great vibes.

💡 My take: Sometimes you just need "Summer Nights" and a bit of theatrical escapism. This delivers exactly that.

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3. Between the Guerrilla and the Almond Sweet – O Remexido

Where: Lagos Experimental Theatre
When: Friday, January 23 & Saturday, January 24

Why it's worth it: This is theatre with local soul. The "folha de medronho" project revisits O Remexido, a slightly forgotten regional Algarve figure, and asks big questions about life, identity, and history. 

It's thoughtful, rooted in the region, and a rare chance to connect with Algarve stories that tourists (and even many locals) don't usually hear.

💡 My take: If you want something more than surface-level culture, this is it. Real, raw, regional storytelling.

👉 More Info

🗓️ WEEKEND GUIDE (Friday–Sunday)

Friday, January 23

• Argentina and Brazil Embrace Each Other – Loulé, 9:30 PM (Algarve Symphony Orchestra concert, unmissable)
• Musical Grease – Faro (sing-along vibes with Danny and Sandy)
• Between the Guerrilla and the Almond Sweet – Lagos (regional theatre exploring O Remexido's story)
• Algarve Film Week wraps up – Loulé (last chance to catch some great cinema)

Saturday, January 24

• Humor à Moda da Guia – Albufeira (stand-up comedy for charity, feel-good laughs)
• Serralves Collection Exhibition Opens – Lagos ("Line and Stain, Body and Machine" by Rui Sanches, runs until April)
• "Geography of Colours" by Carmelita Falé Opens – Lagos (intimate, spontaneous artworks, runs until April)
• Killer Joe by Tracy Letts – Lagos (raw, dark, contemporary theatre)
• Guided Tour: Azulejo Tiles Exhibition – Tavira (perfect if you love ceramic art and history)
• Family Workshop: "Relationship, Art and Nature" – Loulé (create mineral watercolors from raw materials)

Sunday, January 25

• 10th Cross-Country Race – São Gonçalo de Lagos (1st race of 2026 in the Lagos City Athletics Circuit)
• Algarve Xtreme Trail – Loulé (trail running through the stunning Querença region)
• Porsche Sprint Challenge – Autódromo, Portimão (racing fans, this one's for you)
• Sandrino – Loulé (MPB, Pop, Jazz—cozy and nostalgic rhythms)
• Swap Fair – São Brás de Alportel (monthly clothing/toy/book exchange)

💎 HIDDEN GEM OF THE WEEK

Praia da Marinha (near Lagoa)

You've probably seen it in photos. It's one of those beaches that ends up on "most beautiful in the world" lists. But here's the thing: if you go early in the morning or late afternoon in January, it's practically yours. The ochre cliffs, the turquoise water, the natural arches carved by the Atlantic, it all feels cinematic.

There's a wooden walkway down (about 5 minutes), and once you're there, you can explore rock formations, hidden coves, and tide pools. It's stunning without being overwhelming. Bring a camera, but also just… sit. Breathe. Let the place work its magic.

💡 Insider tip: The clifftop trail from Marinha to Benagil is one of the most beautiful coastal walks in the Algarve. If you have time, do it. The views are unreal.

📖 A CULTURAL BITE

The Legend of O Remexido

If you're catching the theatre production this weekend, you might be curious: who was O Remexido?

José Joaquim de Sousa Reis, known as "O Remexido" (The Stirrer), was a 19th-century Algarve guerrilla fighter and folk hero. Born in Estômbar, he became famous for leading resistance against liberal forces during Portugal's civil wars. Part Robin Hood, part rebel, part thorn in the side of authority, he became a symbol of rural defiance.

But here's where it gets interesting: his story also links to almond sweets, a symbol of Algarve tradition and sweetness, creating a contrast between violence and culture, hardship and beauty. It's that duality, guerrilla and almond sweet, that makes him such a compelling regional figure.

His legacy lives on in local memory, and this week's theatre piece brings him back to life with a modern lens.

✨ PREMIUM PICK OF THE WEEK

Algarve Winery Visit with Tastings, Tapas & Live Music

On a mellow Algarve afternoon, when the light softens over the vineyards, this little escape into the countryside feels like a slow exhale. You’ll be picked up from Portimão (or nearby) and whisked to an elegant local vineyard for a gentle introduction to the region’s wine heritage, set among sunlit rows of grapes and cork oaks.

💡 Why I recommend it:  It’s not just about wine. It’s the feeling of slowing down, savouring friendly company, food that feels rooted in place, and music. A perfect way to taste the Algarve beyond the sea.

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