Algarve is a place that has so many festivals in any given month. One of the celebrated months is May, most likely because it gives way to spring after the cold winter months. Well, whether you are a native of Algarve or a tourist coming over for a short cheap holidays 2013, the first of May should be a good start for the month. In fact, the first day of the month itself is a festival for the people of the Algarve, a festival that they call Dia do Trabahaldor - Portuguese for Worker's Day. It is the day for all workers in the whole of Portugal.
Like most Labour Day celebrations around the globe, May 1 in Portugal is a day of celebrating the sacrifices and hardships that men and women in the work force of Portugal endure. These are people who have worked long and hard to be able to provide their families with their basic needs. This is a public holiday or day of festivities held in honour of working people. And the best place to hold these festivities at is in Algarve.
The first of May is the best day to hold this celebration is because it is the day marking the first blooms of spring. Portuguese families come out in full force on this day, where the weather is completely on their side.
In April of 2006, I had gone to Portugal on a business trip. I wanted to leave on the 30th of April, but my colleague convinced me to stay until the 2nd. "You have to see how we celebrate May Day," he said. And because I was curious, I obliged her. I was intrigued how different Labour Day in Portugal could be different as in my country, we observe Labour Day through protests and rallies. When the day came, I thought I would be herded into the city and be forced to join a pep rally, but I was surprised. My friend and his family took me to this roadside clearing where we set up for a picnic. His father opened up our first bottle of wine almost immediately after we had set up shop, and other families did the same around us.
May 1st brings a lot of changes to the fields in Portugal. In ordinary days, several spots by the roadsides are virtually deserted. On the first of May, these spots are suddenly filled with families and groups of people enjoying a picnic under the Sun. The Portuguese like their celebrations simple, it seems, and instead they evidently prefer to spend that day with their loved ones with a quiet picnic under the warmth of the Sun. Aside from that, we were treated to a parade by the local fire and police departments who came out in full force! "Now this is one great way to commemorate Labour Day!" I thought to myself.
Like most Labour Day celebrations around the globe, May 1 in Portugal is a day of celebrating the sacrifices and hardships that men and women in the work force of Portugal endure. These are people who have worked long and hard to be able to provide their families with their basic needs. This is a public holiday or day of festivities held in honour of working people. And the best place to hold these festivities at is in Algarve.
The first of May is the best day to hold this celebration is because it is the day marking the first blooms of spring. Portuguese families come out in full force on this day, where the weather is completely on their side.
In April of 2006, I had gone to Portugal on a business trip. I wanted to leave on the 30th of April, but my colleague convinced me to stay until the 2nd. "You have to see how we celebrate May Day," he said. And because I was curious, I obliged her. I was intrigued how different Labour Day in Portugal could be different as in my country, we observe Labour Day through protests and rallies. When the day came, I thought I would be herded into the city and be forced to join a pep rally, but I was surprised. My friend and his family took me to this roadside clearing where we set up for a picnic. His father opened up our first bottle of wine almost immediately after we had set up shop, and other families did the same around us.
May 1st brings a lot of changes to the fields in Portugal. In ordinary days, several spots by the roadsides are virtually deserted. On the first of May, these spots are suddenly filled with families and groups of people enjoying a picnic under the Sun. The Portuguese like their celebrations simple, it seems, and instead they evidently prefer to spend that day with their loved ones with a quiet picnic under the warmth of the Sun. Aside from that, we were treated to a parade by the local fire and police departments who came out in full force! "Now this is one great way to commemorate Labour Day!" I thought to myself.
About the Author:
Of course, May 1st is not the only festival in the Algarve and is only one of the many reasons to visit the area for your excursions. If you are interested, click here for more details on how you can book luxury holidays to Algarve in May and what options you have in terms of air fare and hotel accommodation.. Free reprint available from: How Your Average Portuguese Commemorates Labour Day.
No comments:
Post a Comment