Showing category "resources" (Show all posts)

Esteva - brave pioneer with unexpected beauty

                              

In the hills that connect the Algarve with Alentejo, you will find great biodiversity. Everywhere you see sobreiros (cork oaks), azinheiras (holm oaks), eucalyptus, medronheiros (strawberry trees), wild herbs such as rosemary, mint and lavender and heather. The Esteva (sometimes called xara) can also be found there in large numbers. In the spring, nature puts on a remarkable show here, transforming hills into a festival of colors and scents, in which the Esteva p...

Continue reading ...

New campervan service point in São Marcos da Serra

                                        

On 31 January 2020 São Marcos da Serra opened this brandnew motorhome service area next to the village. The area of 2000 m2 offers space for 22 campervans free of charge. There is drinkable water, electric chargers, a dump station for wastewater disposal and rubbish bins. 

It is expected that this service will attract more tourists to our little village and boost local economy a bit. The people of São Marcos da Serra welcomed this facility.




...
Continue reading ...

São Marcos da Serra Community Centre Re-opening

                             

If anybody was thinking that São Marcos da Serra was slowly dying, they are now proven wrong!

The community of our beloved village is alive and kicking, as could be witnessed at the great re-opening of the community centre on the 31st of January.

Full house, great music, happy people, lots of dancing, drinks and food, people of all ages gathering together. It was a lovely festivity, organised by a dedicated group of people that want to bring back activities for you...

Continue reading ...

Medronho - Much More Than A Drink

                             

These are some Medronho berries. They grow on the Strawberry Tree - Arbutus Unedo - and are mainly used to create the famous Algarvean Aguardente de Mendronho.

The berries have an acquired taste. Maybe that is why it has "Unedo" in its Latin name, which means: eat only 1. The fruit and the pretty little flowers can be see all at the same time, between October and December. It takes a complete year for the berry to develop from flower to ripe fruit. First they are g...
Continue reading ...

The new members of the council of S. Marcos da Serra

Elections 2013

                                


The elections for the junta de freguesia of São Marcos da Serra were held on the 29th of September and the results surprised many.  72,47% of the registered voters came to town to make their choice!

The PSD won with 39,74% (341 votes), which means that Luis Cabrita will be the new President of São Marcos da Serra for the coming 4 years. 

Here some numbers:

PSD  -  39,74 %  -  341 votes   -   4 seats in the council + the president (2009: 25,45% - 224 votes - 2 s...
Continue reading ...

Festas de Verão - 2013

                               

Its summertime again and São Marcos da Serra looks forward to celebrate.  This year the event will take place in the centre of the village. Come and join in on 9 and 10 August. Lots of live entertainment, food and drinks will provide the circumstances for a wonderful evening.



Continue reading ...

Feira do Folar 2013

                                    
                                   

São Marcos da Serra would like to welcome you to the XVth edition of the Feira do Folar (Easter Cake Fair) between 29 and 31 March 2013.

The event is sponsored by the city of Silves (CMS), with support from the local Parish Council, the Serrano Football Club and the Association of Humanitarian S. Marcos da Serra.

Traditional folklore will be presented by approximately two dozen exhibitors with the region's traditional produ...

Continue reading ...

Full Moon In The Serra

                                     


Normally we live a quite "natural" life, speaking about getting up and going to bed. We more or less rise with the sun and go to sleep early after the big light has gone. But there are exceptions, occasions and special events that make us stay up late.....

Last night was one of these nights. With the full moon rising over the serra, we decided to go to São Marcos da Serra for a drink and some chocolate from the gambling machine in one of the local café´s...
Continue reading ...

Coffee, Just The Way You Like It !

                                         

                                                                                              um meia de leite
 

The Portuguese are proud of their coffee. And not without reason! Some of the richest coffee growing countries in the world are ex-colonies of Portugal. Although the sound of the coffee grinder and the espresso machine can be annoying at times, it also promises a great quality coffee is nearby. The Portuguese generally do not drink their coff...

Continue reading ...

Tail of Tornado Touches São Marcos da Serra

                            
                              

On Friday 16 November a powerful tornado hit the coast of the Algarve at Carvoeiro, ran through Loagoa and Silves and ended at São Marcos da Serra. There was great damage, especially in Lagoa and Silves, but right at the end of the tornado, at the road leading towards Joios and Fitos, there was also a lot of damage done.

                              

This tree was lifted from its position and thrown into this field.

                    ...
Continue reading ...

São Marcos da Serra inspired un unknown poet

                             

Once upon a time some unknown poet got inspired by São Marcos da Serra and wrote this poem on the characteristics of several hamlets belonging to the freguesia.

A Ribeira-de-baixo é um pontal

A Retorta não tem partilha

Não falando na Fatamilha

Vale de Água é em geral

Vagarosa, tem moral

A Ferrenha tem talento

No Pereiro de Zorra mora o bom tempo

No vale de Carvalheiros a ternura

Nas Taipinhas a Estremadura

E à dos Brancos mantimento

Pé cruzado foi repartido

Na Rochinh...

Continue reading ...

Lupini Beans - Tasty Little Bites

                                 

The first time I was served these yellow beans in the local café with a beer, I did not know what they were.  In the meantime I learned to appreciate these "Petiscos" (Portuguese for "tasty little bites") as a delicious snack, especially since I found out how healthy they are!

Lupini beans are the yellow legume seeds of Lupinus genus plants, that grow all over Europe and are a common snack food in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Egypt. The Lupini b...

Continue reading ...

Some Like It Hot! Piri Piri - The African Devil

                                   

Thanks to Columbus you can now enjoy the famous chicken piri piri here in the Algarve. He was the one that brought this fiery pepper from South America to Europe and the Portuguese then took it with them to Mozambique and Angola, where it became an important fruit to the natives as well as Portuguese. 

Piri Piri is Swahili for "pepper pepper", but this cultivar of Capsicum frutescens is also know as peri peri, African birdseye Chili, or African Devil. It is a...
Continue reading ...

Esteva - Queen Of The Serra

                            
 

The Esteva (Cistus ladanifer - or Gum Rock Rose) is a common wild flower in the hills of the Algarve. This evergreen shrub is so tough that it can survive extreme drought and its seeds even survive a fire. Although this shrub does not strike you as a pretty plant during the greatest part of the year, it changes into a real beauty when spring is in the air. The Esteva then produces ample delicate flowers that color the hills white. The flowers are crinkled like cra...

Continue reading ...

Motor Tour - 4 August 2012

                                        


 The Associação Clube Horizonte organises the 2nd Motor Tour in São Marcos da Serra.

This tour will bring you to Azilheira, S. Barnabé, Benafim, Alte and back to S. Marcos da Serra again.
The tour is open to all kinds of motors and scooters.  There is a price for the oldest motorcycle.
After lunch there is opportunity to have a bath at the Fontes of Alte.

Registration is possible till 2 August. 

Start of the tour: 9.00 Snack Bar Arco Iris - S. Marcos da ...
Continue reading ...

Summerparty 2012 in S. Marcos da Serra

It is Summertime in the Algarve and partytime in São Marcos da Serra. On 3, 4 and 5 August the traditional Festas de Verão, organised by the Serrano Futebol Clube and the Associação Desporjtiva e Cultural, will take place near the football stadium.


                                     

What is happening when?  
 
 3 August - 21.30 Opening
                22.00 live music with Emanuel Martins

4 August - 17.30 Football competition - Serrano FC x Nave Redonda
                18.30 Veterans Serrano ...
Continue reading ...

Who Remembers Jocelinda Silva Guerra?

                               

This lady, Jocelinda Silva Guerra, from Winnipeg, Canada, was born in São Marcos da Serra and would love to correspond with some people that remember her. This is what she wrote to you:

 S. Marcos da Serra, a terra onde nasci cresci e fui as aulas da Professora D. Maria Avelar. Cantei com as meninas da escola na Igreja e frequentei a catequese. Sou muito devota  do Santo Mark que por sinal  Este Santo tem o Leao a seu lado. Eu por coicidência nasci sob o signo ...
Continue reading ...

25 April - Feast Day of Saint Mark

                                       

 
Saint Mark, also known as John Mark, is not only the patron Saint of São Marcos da Serra, but also of the town of Venice in Italy. Also he is the patron of notaries, writers, secretaries and glaziers. Christians call upon him for good weather and a good harvest. Also he helps against lightning and hail and with sudden death.

He was one of the 4 evangelists and wrote the oldest gospel of the bible. He was one of the 70 disciples and later founded the chu...
Continue reading ...

The Nêspereira or Loquat Tree

                         

 

In São Marcos da Serra people just love their Nêspereira (loquat tree). This evergreen, easy to grow, tree (Eriobotrya japonica) originates from China and Japan and is not only ornamental, but it also has wonderful tasty fruit. You can find these trees in every garden, no matter how small.

The fruit of this tree is called the loquat (nespera in Portuguese) and is related to the apple and the pear. It is the first fruit to ripen in the springtime. It is rich in beta...

Continue reading ...

Feira do Folar 2012

                                   

The 14th edition of the traditional Easter Fair of São Marcos da Serra will be held again during the Easter weekend, 6, 7 and 8 April 2012.
 
The church square and the surrounding area will be the setting for this yearly event. Lots of traditional products and handicraft can be bought here and there will be live entertainment with music and folklore dance.  Come and taste, smell, watch and listen to everything that will be going on in this lovely village of t...
Continue reading ...

Reopening Café-Restaurant Os Duartes

                                

This week Café-Restaurant Os Duartes reopened its doors after a great painting job and closing the roof terrace, making the restaurant larger and to be used in all kinds of weather.

                                 

You can have a dish of the day for the nice price of €4. The restaurant is at the first floor and offers a beautiful view on the serra. The café is on the ground floor.
 

                               

You can find Os Duartes next to the church in t...
Continue reading ...

Protest or Carnival?

                          

Is it a celebration of Carnival or is it a protest against the governments austerity measures?  Probably a bit of both. Not only in Lissabon, but even in the sleepy village of São Marcos da Serra, people are getting fed up and angry with the government´s measures to master the crisis. Today, there were demonstrations of protest near the Football Club, at the church and next to the village donkey.  Here the pictures that speak for themselves. 
 
                      ...
Continue reading ...

Carnival in São Marcos da Serra

                               

The children of the village celebrate Carnival 2012.

                              
Continue reading ...

Those Were The Days.....

                          

When you ask one of the older inhabitants that has lived in São Marcos da Serra his/her entire life, to tell you about the past, you will probably hear a deep sigh first.  "Aaahhhh, when I was young, things were very diffent here...." The village was prosperous, the hills were clean from weeds, there were no ruins and the montes (houses) were full of life and people.  

In the fifties of the last century São Marcos da Serra was indeed a busy place. There were around ...

Continue reading ...

Mushrooms and Funerals in São Marcos da Serra

                              
 
Since 22 years Hortense Dias is the proud owner of Agencia Funeraria Pimentel Dias. Not only is this the funeral agency of the village of São Marcos da Serra, but Hortense Dias is also the local expert on mushrooms that grow in the serra. Local people pick the wild mushrooms in the surrounding hills and take them to Hortense. 

Here you can buy the fresh, wild mushrooms, but most of the harvest is exported to Spain and is sold to Germany, Switserland, Italy and t...
Continue reading ...

New Year Celebration in São Marcos da Serra

                                                 

Come and join the New Year´s celebration 2011-2012 in the Serrano Futebol Clube in São Marcos da Serra.

On December 31 there will be live music and dance as of 21.30 hours with Caria Santos and Yone Santiago. There will be caldo verde soup, shrimps, suckling pig, snacks and deserts available. 

Sign up at the Serrano Futebol Clube in the village!
 ...
Continue reading ...

Wintertime - Time for Tea

While the winter months arrive, many people love to drink a nice hot cup of tea to warm up. The people in the area of São

Marcos da Serra love their teas. And they don´t only taste good, but they are also great for your health. Here are 2 of their favorite ones:

                                   

Chá Bela Luisa or Lúcia Lima (Aloysia triphylla)

This plant is native in South America and. The leaves of this plant are used (preferably fresh from the garden) to brew a lovely calming tea. The Por...

Continue reading ...

The Palm Tree Killer

             

                               

Since last year the Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), called Gorgulho Vermelho in Portugal, has appeared in São Marcos da Serra as well. Anybody loving his palm trees should watch out!

This pest originated in India in 1891 and spread through Egypt to Spain in 2004. Since 2007 this beetle has entered the Algarve. At first it was only active at the coast, but  it is spreading rapidly inland. It now has reached the border to the Alentejo. Th...
Continue reading ...

The Chestnut Of The South

                                      

In Portugal the acorn is so important that they have a different name for each type of acorn. The acorn of the cork oak (sobreiro) is called a lande (or landre) and the acorn of a holm oak (azinheira) is called a bolota (or boleta).  The acorns mainly serve as food for the pigs, but the bolota also used to be a very important source of food since the ancient Lusitanian people populated Iberia. It was a welcome addition to the shortage of cereals in the w...

Continue reading ...

Mushroom Season in the Serra

                             


After the first rains of the autumn visit the Algarve, the mushroom season starts. Of course you have to make sure that you know exactly what you are doing, otherwise leave them alone. Each year there are people dying because they made a mistake with mushrooms in the wild. So be careful!

This mushroom for instance is a Parasol (Macrolepiota procera), Roco in Portuguese. It is a very common mushroom here and many people go into the serra to look for them now. If you...
Continue reading ...

Footballization of a Society - The Importance of a Game

                                       

Football is omnipresent in Portugal, you might even speak of "footballization" of the Portuguese society. This also goes for São Marcos da Serra. Here the football-a-holics are divided between the clubs of Benfica and Sporting (or should I say Sporting and Benfica?). Anyway, the third important national club, Porto, is out of the picture here.

A little bit of history 
Football was brought to Portugal in the late 19th century by Portuguese students who ret...
Continue reading ...

New Village Café

                                  

There is a new place to be in São Marcos da Serra and it is called Snack-bar Arco-Iris, arco-iris meaning rainbow.
The new owner Jorge Gonçalves Pereira is running the place and he is doing very well.

Here you can enjoy a good coffee, a nice cool beer or even a great caipirinha  either inside or ouside on the shady terrace. Snacks such as tosta, cakes, meats or bifanas are also available.

Café Arco-Iris is located in the Rua de Fabrica, next to the Drogeria N...
Continue reading ...

Time for harvesting olives - things you need to know

                                      

 

The olive tree is the oldest cultivated tree in the world and also the people of São Marcos da Serra love its fruit.  They have been milling it for decades to obtain a high quality rich oil. There were 3 olive oil mills (lagar de azeite) in the village, but unfortunately they all had to go for environmental reasons. Now you have to bring your olives to the mill in Messines. 

The olive tree flowers in May and the fruit can be picked around October (depe...
Continue reading ...

Another creepy crawler

                           

You really don´t want to bump into these innocent looking little guys!  They are pine processionary caterpillars (Thaumetopoea pityocapa) and live in pine trees.  
 

In the adult phase they are a simple and unremarkable, short lived moth which emerge in the summer and fly at night. A single female can then lay up to 300 tiny eggs which she attaches in a mass to a pine needle. Around one month later these eggs hatch into minute caterpillars. These very social caterpil...

Continue reading ...

Watch Out For The Centipede !!

                                    

Living in the rural Algarve brings you into close contact with nature, which normally is wonderful.  But sometimes some weird creatures can cross your path, such as this little fellow: the Megarian banded centipede (Scolopendia cinglulata centipede), or in Portuguese: centopéia.

Centipede, means 100 feet, which is little overdone.  Most of these centipedes have about 40 legs, 2 per body segment. The Megarian banded centipede has alternating bands of black a...
Continue reading ...

Market day in São Marcos da Serra - 15 September

September 15 - Market day in São Marcos da Serra, near the cemetery.

Do your shopping, watch the people and enjoy the summer wiht some grilled chicken and wine or beer.
 
 

Continue reading ...

Save The Gecko - Salvem As Osgas !!

This is a gecko, or in Portuguese: a osga, a harmless and very useful type of lizard that lives in all kinds of warm areas in the world.  It is famous for its special toe pads, that enable it to walk on smooth and vertical surfaces and even to cross ceilings with ease.  A gecko is unique in its vocalizations, making chirping sounds in social interactions with other geckos.  They are extremely useful to people because they feed on insects and mosquitoes.

It is hard to understand why the people ...
Continue reading ...

Sport for Seniors season 2011/2012 starts September 19

The new schedule of the project Sport Senior, season 2011/2012, will begin next September 19. This project activity is promoted by the Municipality of Silves (CMS), through its Sports sector, and directs people aged over 55, resident in the county. All those wishing to register may do so in first class, free of charge, one of 21 classes in Alcantarilha, Silves, Loving, Armação de Pêra, Azilheira , Enxerim, Pear, Poço Barreto, Portela de Messines, Sao Bartolomeu de Messines, São Marcos da...

Continue reading ...

Alfarroba - About Chocolate, Gold And Cola

The carob tree or St. John´s bread tree, is typical for the Algarve.  In Portuguese the tree is called Alfarrobeira and the fruit of this tree is called Alfarroba (al-harruba in Arabic).

            

The carob tree is a member of the legume (pea) family. It is a large tree and grows to 15m in 50 years. It produces no fruit for the first 15 years of its life, but will fruit well into its old age. A large tree can produce one ton of beans in one harvest.  Contrary to the orange trees, carob tree...

Continue reading ...

Ugly But Highly Appreciated

This chick was not caught by a dog or cat and it is not sick either, nor is it a kind of turkey.  No, this young hen is a true breed with an impressive French name:  Cou-Nu, meaning "naked neck", which is exactly what they have. 

These kind of chicken can be found at many farms in the serra.  Originally this breed comes from France and has a reputation of being hardy.  They are great for breeding because they are excellent mums, but they are also appreciated for their high quality and tasty me...
Continue reading ...

Yesterdays Motorcycles Still Running Strong

Who needs a new one, when these old beauties still perform so well?  

Yesterdays motorcycles still run well here in the countryside of the rural Algarve.  Plenty of people are the proud owner of an antique bike, sometimes pasted together from several other motorbikes.  They are easily maintained, can be repaired by themselves and are a perfect means of transportation.  If you pay attention you can spot some special ones.
 
 
 

Continue reading ...

Festas de Verão - São Marcos da Serra - 13, 14 & 15 August 2011

The Serrano Futebol Clube hosts the Festas de Verão (Summer Party) near the football stadium in São Marcos da Serra on August 13, 14 and 15.

In the evening there will be live music and dancing, Bifanas and Chicken BBQ.  You can make reservations for a table for €5 each at the Serrano Futebol Clube in the village.

Programme:

13 August:
17.00 Football tournament
21.00 opening of the fair
21.30 dancing - music by the Irmãos Cabanas
00.00 music and dance with the Grupo Marvilhas do Alentejo

14 Augus...
Continue reading ...

nothing beats the plop of a real cork stopper

The use of cork dates back to the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks, but the father of cork is Dom Pérignon who started using cork to seal his sparkling wine bottles in the mid-1600s. Pérignon was a French Abbot residing at the Hautvillers monastery who was trying to find a new sealing solution to replace using wooden bungs wrapped in hemp to seal bottles. His innovation launched a new industry which today employs 100,000 people in the Mediterranean. Large scale cork production was first...
Continue reading ...

Gardening By The Moon

                       

A lot of people in São Marcos da Serra deal with gardening based on folklore and superstition.  But some of this old wisdom now has been proven scientifically correct!  It is e.g. proven that seeds will absorb most water at full moon. According to many gardeners the phases of the moon are of the utmost importance.  If you consider that the moon is responsible for the low-tide and high-tide in the oceans of the world, and that plants consist for a majority of water, you...
Continue reading ...

about honey and água-mel

                       

The area of São Marcos da Serra belongs to the protected region of "Mel da Serra de Monchique".  The honeybees of the serra produce a very high quality dark yellow and smooth honey. The quality is so high because of he great biodiversity and the pure and clean air here.  The bees visit the flowers of rosemary, eucalyptus, heather, orange tree, lavender, cistus, prunus etc.  One hive gives on average 25 kg of honey per year. Did you know that 1 honeybee makes about 1 tw...
Continue reading ...

sweet potato vines

Most people think of sweet potatoes used in cooking and baking, but this healthy food, loaded with vitamin C and beneficial carotene, also makes an eye-catching plant!  The fast-growing vine makes a gorgeous green house plant, and is easy to care for.  This is done frequently by the women of the serra.  It is easy, cheap and ornamental.  This is how it works:

First choose a sweet potato with several buds, or "eyes." These are spots that are starting to sprout. You will often see these on potat...

Continue reading ...

Party time in Fitos (Santana da Serra)

Summertime is partytime !  
 
16 July there is a traditional Festa Popular with music, dance, sardines and drinks in the hamlet of Fitos (Santana da Serra), next to São Marcos da Serra, 
 
Join in as of 1800 hours and enjoy the food, the people and the music by Neuza Guerreiro.

 

Continue reading ...

Censos 2011 - the numbers

São Marcos da Serra lost 169 souls during the last 10 years.  The total amount of residents counted in the Censos 2011 was 1366 (1535 in 2001).
 
For the total Algarve region there was an increase of residents of 13,9% to 450.484.  The parish of Alcoutim lost the most inhabitants, namely 23,2%.
 
The council of Silves as a whole now has 37.087 residents.
  

Continue reading ...

Feira do São Pedro - São Marcos da Serra - 28 June

There is a large market down at the cemetery on the 28th of June, the day of São Pedro.
Do your shopping and eat some grilled chicken while you enjoy the atmosphere.                                                             
 

Continue reading ...

Medieval Fair in Silves - 19 - 15 August 2011

It is a great experience to see how the historical centre of this ancient little town is transformed into medieval times. Everything is in style, including the clothes the stall holders wear and you really can imagine how life must have been a couple of hundred years ago.  There are many performances to see, there is no entrance fee, the food is great and there are many nice things to buy.  You can even participate yourself by renting (for a symbolic price) a costume and walk around dressed u...

Continue reading ...

Festivities of the Popular Saints in Messines

new practitioner of veterinary medicine

New in the area of São Marcos da Serra is a young and motivated Médica Veterinaria (veterinary surgeon).
 
So if you have small animals that need treatment or vaccination, just give Carla Guerreiro a call and she will come to your house for a consultation.
Her telephone number is:  963169711

 

Continue reading ...

Sueca - the famous Portuguese card game

In many places you can see posters advertising a Sueca tournament, where prices may be a lamb, suckling pig, a rooster or a bifana,  Sueca (also Portuguese for a Swedish woman) is a point-trick game with trumps and is probably the most widely played card game: it is played in most parks and coffee places where there are at least four people.

If you want to know how the game is played and maybe enter a tournament yourself, here are the rules:                   Sueca is a game for four players p...

Continue reading ...

Feira de Turismo Concelho Silves - 22 and 23 June 2011

Come and experience the flavours of the Algarve, its cuisine, its culture, its crafts, the music and more....
 
The Primary School Dr. António da Costa Contreiras in Armação de Pera, will host the Fair of Tourism of the Municipality of Silves on 22 and 23 June. 

According to organizers, "it is intended that the show is a vehicle for the dissemination of activities, whether economic, cultural or artisan, in the municipality of Silves. All parish councils, cultural groups and artisans are parti...

Continue reading ...

Football Training for children in July

The Serrano Futebol Clube invites all children between 6 and 12 years old to participate in a Summer Football Training (Escolas de Futebol) in the month of July.

For more information you can call:  964576505 or 914527603

If you are interested you should register at the Serrano Futebol Clube in the village.
Continue reading ...

Barn Swallows and mosquitoes

I just love the swallows!  They are such pretty little birds, announcing spring has come, true acrobats in the sky, happy singers and on top of all that all they keep the mosquito population around your house within limits. So there are a lot of pro´s to let them build a nest around your home.  
This year a pair of barn swallows (hirundo rustica) decided they really liked the top left corner of our entrance door.  After getting rid of the foundations countless times, we decided to give in, lo...
Continue reading ...

BTT S. Marcos da Serra - 12 June 2011

 

Conquering the 5 "talefes" - S. Marcos da Serra - June 12, 2011

The Center for biking/Canoeing and the Serrano Football Club, will host on June 12, 2011 a spectacular ride in our parish.

Location: S. Marcos da Serra
Secretariat: Soccer Field Serrano FC / Bombeiros
Concentration: Soccer Field Serrano FC / Bombeiros
Time: 9.00

Sign up limit: 150
Deadline for entries: up to 150 confirmed by June 8 (because of the listings for insurance)

Contacts:
Jorge Rita: 917822093
Luis Cabrita: 962564778
Carlos Pachec...

Continue reading ...

Feira Saberes & Sabores da Serra - 28 and 29 May

 

The neighbouring village of Santana da Serra is hosting the 10th edition of the Feira de Saberes & Sabores da Serra on 28 and 29 May.

This "Fair of Knowledge and Tastes" is essentially an exhibition of regional products of animal origin (predominance of black pork - porco preta) and sweets. In addition there is a cultural component such as traditional music of the Alentejo mixed with other forms of artistic expression such as this year's demonstration of ballroom dancing and entertainment pre...

Continue reading ...

Há caracóis !

 

Now we are in the middle of the caracóis season!  Between April and July you can find signs everywhere around the Algarve: "Há caracois", also in São Marcos da Serra.  You either love them or hate them, but if you are brave enough to give it a try, this is the way to make them yourself.

Buy or search for 1 kg of fresh caracóis.  The ultimate thing is of course to get up early and walk the countryside yourself in search of the small snails.  

First you have to get the slippery snails ready ...

Continue reading ...

São Marcos da Serra had his own "Robin Hood" in the past

 

Remexido or Remechido, the nickname of José Joaquim de Sousa Reis (Lagoa, Estômbar, 19 October 1796 – Faro, 2 August 1838), was a notorious bandit of the Algarve in Portugal.

He was the son of Joaquim José dos Reis and wife Clara Maria do Carmo da Rocha, both born in Estômbar, in the municipality of Lagoa, and died before a firing squad at the Campo da Trinidade (site of the present school hall of the Tomás Cabreira Secondary School) in Faro on 2 August 1838.

He served as a supporter of...

Continue reading ...

Make your own Easter Folar

 

Folar de Páscoa - traditional Easter cake

The folar is a fancy bread, decorated with 2 or four boiled eggs.  

400 gr flour

15 gr fresh yeast

45 gr caster sugar

90 gr butter

1 large egg

300 ml milk

1 teaspoon powdered aniseed

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

for decoration: 2 hard boiled eggs, 1 beater egg for brushing

Combine the crumbled yeast with 1/4 of the flour and 1/3 of the (warm) milk in a warm bowl.

Make a dough of these ingredients, cover the bowl and leave it to rise for 1/2 hour in a wa...

Continue reading ...

who knows António Francisco?

Feira do Folar

During the Easter weekend, 22 to 24 April 2011, the 13th Feira do Folar (Easter Cake Fair) will be held in the centre of São Marcos da Serra.  The streets will be filled with the smell of Easter cakes, chouriço, herbs, sweets and a whole lot of other regional specialties like medronho and honey.

Furthermore there will be traditional handicraft, live music and folklore dance. Also there will be an exposition about the production of bread.

The Fair will be open every day between 11.00 and 22.00...

Continue reading ...

Rally de Portugal 2011

The Vodafone Rally Portugal 2011 will start in Lissabon on 24 March, move through the lower Alentejo and end in the Algarve on 27 March 2011.  Also São Marcos da Serra will be in the picture on Sunday 27 March.  This year will be the debut of the Mini Rally Car.  For more information: www.rallydeportugal.pt
 
Continue reading ...

Carnaval

XVIII Feira dos Enchidos Tradicionais

Welcome !

Passeio TT