Fertile in cultural manifestations São Brás de Alportel kept in the shores of the river of time a treasure of living history made of traditions.
The Carnival costumes, the May festivities, the popular saints parties, the summer night festivals are some of the cultural traditions which are relived year after year.
Alleluia Festival / Flowered Torch Procession
The Flowered Torch Procession is one of a kind in the country, it's an unique manifestation of the people's feelings. Every Easter Sunday, swaying to the faith, the ground is covered with flowers and the torch is lifted high to the rhythm of the refrain in honour of the resurrected Christ.
“He resurrected like he said! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!” These words echo through the flower covered streets. The village is embellished and the balconies ornamented with beautiful quilts. It's a day for celebration!
Throughout the afternoon, the Parish Church's churchyard welcomes the sounds and flavours where one can enjoy folk music concerts and buy regional snacks and sweets. Don't forget to try the typical São Brás de Alportel's soft almonds.
Serra Fair
In the last weekend of July the Serra Fair opens its doors to the genuine Algarve. For three days, the colours, the flavours and the know-how of the mountains comes together in a trip through time in search of our roots, of tradition made stories, legends and habits which are sculpted in stone, weaved in the weaver's loom, painted in canvas, sang in a chant and danced with the soul.
The handicraft, gastronomy, arts, sounds, know-how of the people of the South are present in this exhibition for their quality, diversity and genuinity. There are ten different worlds divided into sectors: Aldeia Serrana (Mountain Village), Sítio da Cortiça (Cork Corner), Encontro de Sabores (Gathering of Flavours), Praça da Cultura (Culture Square), Encontro de Saberes (Gathering of Know-hows), Sítio do Agricultor (Farmers Corner), Sítio dos Ofícios (Arts and Crafts Corner), Picadeiro (Riding School), Sítio dos Animais (Animal Corner), Sítio dos Curiosos (Curious Corner) and Palco da Feira (Fair's Stage).