Portimão will once again live "A Christmas Dream", an event dedicated to the whole family that will have all the ingredients that are expected in this festive season, whose launch will take place on December 1st, at 17:00, in the old Lota of the city.
Until January 6th, the city of Portimão «will once again be transformed into an authentic Christmas Village, recreating several attraction centers, inspired by the festive season and completely free, in which the Christmas universe will intersect with moments of fantasy and fun aimed at the whole family», according to the Chamber of Portimão.
On the 1st of December, the program will start with the arrival of Santa Claus arriving at the old Fish Market, located in the riverside area of Portimão, «to inaugurate the Toy Factory accompanied by Mother Christmas and her elves».
This is followed by a parade with about a hundred extras towards Manuel Teixeira Gomes Square, where the Santa Claus House will be inaugurated, heading the procession to Praça da República, in the heart of the historic center of Portimão, for the inauguration of the Ice Rink with 200 square meters, the Christmas Stage and the Christmas lighting, with emphasis on the immersive Planetarium with LED technology.
Until January 6, locals and visitors can look forward to 37 days «full of attractions in various poles».
In addition to Praça da República, the action takes place in Jardim 1.º de Dezembro, with the Christmas Market and its ten stands occupied by local artisans, and in Praça Manuel Teixeira Gomes, the setting for Santa's House and a stop for the Christmas Train, that will circulate in the 'downtown' of Portimão, without forgetting the Largo da Mó, with the usual life-size Nativity Scene, and the thematic parades that on Saturdays will run through some of the main arteries of the old part of the city, also passing through Alvor, on the 17th, and by Mexilhoeira Grande, on the 19th of December.
The Chamber of Portimão highlights the Christmas Stage of Praça da República, «which in the late afternoon will host fifty shows, including circus arts, poetry, music, dance, magic, theater, puppets and clowns, starring five hundred artists, about 80 percent of whom are residents or natives of Portimão, and which includes students from various schools in the municipality and local groups who will be able to reveal their talents there».
«Also worthy of special mention is the Santa Claus Factory, installed in the old Fish Market, stage for creative and educational activities with several workshops and workshops, Story Time, the making of Christmas cookies, techniques on how to wrap gifts and much more. There will also be in this space the 'Christmas Recreation', consisting of fun spaces and differentiated equipment for each age group, with several inflatables and carousels», adds the municipality.
In another aspect, and similar to what happened last year, the Municipality of Portimão will deliver 7400 shopping vouchers to children and young people in pre-school and the 1st, 2nd cycle and 3rd cycles of education in the municipality, in the amount of 111 thousand euros.
«There will be three vouchers with a unit value of 5 euros, for a total of 15 euros per student, to be distributed among the five School Groups in the municipality, which can be discounted until March 31, 2024 in the network of participating stores and services», describes the Chamber.
In addition to this support, which is part of the "Valuing Local Commerce" campaign, those who make purchases between December 1 and February 19, 2024 in participating commerce, services and restaurant stores, are eligible to earn vouchers for new purchases, in the amount of 25, 50 and 100 euros, for a total of 30 thousand euros.
The campaign is aimed at people aged 18 and over, who will receive coupons for each purchase of 10 euros or more, thus qualifying for the draws scheduled for 13 and 27 December, 10 and 24 January, and 7 and 21 February.
The participating stores are duly identified with a sticker that displays the logo of the campaign "Valuing Local Commerce", which results from the partnership established between the Municipality of Portimão and the Association of Commerce and Services of the Algarve Region, the Portimonense Association of Commerce and Services and the Portimão Tourism Association.
Overall, the Municipality of Portimão allocated 141 thousand euros for this campaign, aiming to support local companies and families.
For the last days of the year, the Portimão Chamber has set up a program with initiatives for various tastes, «with a lot of dance and rhythm, starting on the night of December 29th, with the performance of the band The Peakles, the biggest Portuguese tribute to the famous The Beatles, which will open the festivities from 22:00 in the riverside area of Portimão».
The following night, December 30th, it will be the turn of RFM Time Machine, an authentic musical journey through time that will remember hits from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, followed by the addictive sounds of Turbo Baile on New Year's Eve, which will not leave anyone indifferent.
«High point of the greeting to the New Year, the fireworks will be launched in Praia da Rocha and Alvor, while in the riverside area of Portimão a memorable entry into 2024 is assured, completely different from everything that has happened», anticipates the municipality.
«With this diversified program, the Municipality of Portimão seeks to provide residents and visitors with unique experiences in several emblematic places in the city, paying special attention to the youngest, who have the opportunity to travel in an imaginary of magic and dream, taking into account the various audiences that are expected in this very special season, in which hopes are renewed for a better tomorrow», concludes the Chamber of Portimão.
The detailed schedule can be consulted by following this link.
Photos: Portimão Chamber
