Loulé Carnival returns to the streets with 14 cars to receive «between 60 and 80 thousand people»

Corso parades on Avenida José da Costa Mealha on the 19th, 20th and 21st of February

Photo: Mariana Carriço | Sul Informação

Fourteen cars, 10 groups and a lot of entertainment return this year to Avenida José da Costa Mealha, in Loulé, to celebrate the oldest Carnival in the country, which expects to receive «between 60 and 80 thousand people», on the 19th, 20th and 21st of February. 

The estimate was made by Vítor Aleixo, mayor of Loulé, during the official presentation of the party, this Wednesday, February 8th. This year Carnival has as its theme the aspiring Geopark Algarvensis, in the process of being classified as such by UNESCO.

«The theme this year is unusual, but it says a lot to the municipality of Loulé, which, along with Albufeira and Silves, will soon present an application to UNESCO for a geopark in the interior of the Algarve. This geopark has a unique circumstance in the world which is a giant salamander with about 227 million years. Based on this finding by paleontologists, we wanted to play with it», said the president.

The theme is different and, therefore, it was also «more demanding in the search for satire». This is said by Palhó Madeira, the event's main creative. «Furthermore, the work is very similar to that of other years», continued the person responsible for commandr the approximately 50 workers who, at this time of year, get together to bring the carnival floats to life.

 

Palhó finishing one of the figures of the cars. Photo: Mariana Carriço | Sul Informação

 

Just over a week from big day, the preparations «are on the right track», but the work will last until the end.

«We also work with an extra team from Câmara, which is making some of the dolls, which will only arrive on Friday, that is, a part of the skits, which are not yet in the cars, will be assembled later. The base, which are the cars and the flowers, is practically done», says Palhó, revealing that, once again, only 15 of the approximately 30 to 40 dolls will be new.

«There is always an opportunity to save money, gain time and recycle», he stresses.

 

One of the workers taking care of another figure. Photo: Mariana Carriço | Sul Informação

 

As for the budget, Vítor Aleixo says that, for the event, an amount of «just over 400 thousand euros» is foreseen, but that only at the end will it be known for sure how much was spent.

As in previous years, entrance tickets cost €2 in this case, and the proceeds go to participating associations and IPSS in the municipality.

«The expectation is great, from the little ones to the grandparents», says Vítor Aleixo, not forgetting the benefits that the event also has for the local economy.

«Thousands of tourists come to Carnival, which is known nationally and internationally. Restaurants, hotels, transport rentals will certainly be in great hustle for a very positive impact on our local economy», he concludes.

In addition to the three days of corso, on Friday, February 17th, in the morning, there is the usual Carnival parade for children from Loulé schools.

 

Photos: Mariana Sedge | Sul Informação

 

Read some more!
 
A strong region needs a strong press and, these days, the press depends on its readers. We make all Sul Infomação content available free of charge, because we believe that it is not through barriers that the public approaches responsible and quality journalism. Therefore, your contribution is essential.  
Contribute here!



Comments

Ads