Fair of S. Pedro already attracts crowds (Silver Coast - Portugal)

200 thousand visitors are expected at the "Fair of San Pedro" which opened its doors on June 26 in the Regional Park of Exhibitions, in Torres Vedras (Silver Coast - Portugal), and will run until July 6 and has registered a great turnout in the first days.

The Fair of San Pedro is one of the major “general” fairs held in Portugal," according to the organization.

This year has "more than 400 commercial exhibitors, areas of restaurants, small pubs and bars with specific animation, entertainment and traditional fairground."

Causing the “buzz” this year is the the area of restoration, with kitchen facilities and renewed daily service from lunch, in addition to traditional dinners and operation of terraces night outside.

Six new spaces near the Multi Pavilion were also created, the spot where takes place Fair’s main animations.

The headliner of this year’s programme of the event animation is a traditional bullfight, promoted by the Commission, which strives to help the Association of Volunteer Firemen of Torres Vedras.

The younger will rely on "aimed animation, with inflatable, sculptors, balloons, face-painting and caricaturists."

Local and regional pole of coexistence of the traditional and modern ways, the Fair of S. Pedro is, according to organisation "a demonstration of business savvy as well as overall strength of the region."

Hunt with bow and beast is novelty in Medieval Market

The recreation of a medieval hunt and the presence of historical recreation group camps, from six European countries, are the news for this year's edition of the Medieval Market of Obidos (Silver Coast – Portugal), to be held from 10 to 20 of July, with the theme "Love and War - The Light and Darkness."

Hunting is a exciting activity aimed at a young audience and that is a game where participants (by turn or as a team), dressed at the time and armed with crossbows or bows, will have to look in a large wooded area, bounded by a string for security reasons, several targets in three dimensions represent traditional animals, looking for scoring, hitting at a distance of twelve meters. This activity is subject to a paid membership.

In view of such activities and regarding the need to meet the needs of many thousands of visitors, the existing Town Park of Obidos situated in the south, will be used, increasing significantly the area usually occupied.

The “tasquinhas” (small restaurants) will be disseminated through the enclosure. The area used for the medieval hunt will be in an area near the wooded area of Lica. The Mocharro area will be adapted for animation purposes.

Like last year, the entrance of the premises will remain the Port of Talhada and the output will be the Port of Santiago.

In contrast to the camps area, which represent the most rural and military aspects of the middle Ages, in the area of the Fence will be mounted a stage, designed to recreate the daily life of a medieval city.

On July 19, at 9 o’clock of the afternoon, will be held a parade/ contest of medieval costumes, which should correspond to the ones used in the European continent during the XII, XIII and XIV centuries, and may represent any economic and social class of that period.

The three best costumes will be distinguished, with the costume better classified being awarded with the offer of a voucher for purchases worth 500 euros in the company's products "The Master of Arms".

The daily ticket costs five euros and is free to local citizens, children under twelve years and people dressed according to the Medieval times.

The event runs on day 10 from 18:00 to 24:00 and in the remaining working days from 17.00 to 24.00 and the week-end from 12.00 to 24.00.

Silver Coast – Portugal hosts 2nd National Congress of Biological Agriculture

INTERBIO, Inter-professional Association for Biological/Organic Agriculture, is organising the 2nd National Congress of Organic Agriculture on day 24 and 25 of June in Torres Vedras (Silver Coast –Portugal), with the support of Naturlink.

The Congress enjoys the High Patronage of the Presidency of the Republic, and its opening session was chaired by Armando Sevinate Pinto, Advisor for Agriculture, matters to the President of the Republic, and the closing session will be chaired by Jaime Silva, Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries.

The intention with this event is to bring together the entire Portuguese professional sector of organic agriculture for reflection and through discussion of all matters that relate to this sector and which aim to enhance and consolidate its development. To this end, the first day of Congress is reserved exclusively for professionals of organic farming in all sectors: production, processing, marketing and services. This day will surely send a message of affirmation of the organic farming sector and the definition of its strategic lines.

10th anniversary of chariots in Obidos

On last 15th of June, was celebrated ten years on the beginning of service of tour operators in Obidos, the Charretes do Oeste, the company Greenservices-Environmental Projects, Ltd.

The first chariot was a old wagon from the end of the XIX century that belonged to Azeredo Perdigao, that he used on his trips to Obidos, from his farm at Ferraria in Amoreira.

Today this collector’s car, of almost incalculable value, is stationary, leaving only on very special occasions.

The Charretes do Oeste offers two cars in permanent service throughout the summer time, which runs from June 15 to September 30, and the remainder work for week-ends and holidays.
To celebrate the anniversary, a Charriot was made available, designed for the transport of children, to perform "The anniversary stroll" which went from the Tourism Park to the Village Gates, descended to the hostel Josefa de Obidos, passed underneath the Water Aqueduct and returned to the Park, completely free, in homage to children because so many times, thank to their help selling a circuit to the parents.

This car didn’t stop since 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., strolling through the kids and mothers that wanted to monitor.

In the remaining Chariots was offered to all a 50% discount. And from time to time, accompanied by an accordion player in the Chariots, the famous "Mr. Martins."

There will be some more activities to celebrate this anniversary. The Obidos Patrimonium supported this and other proposed initiatives, such as music, opera, and lunch meeting with chariots in motion and guided tours to Obidos.

Half a million euros in promotional campaign

From next July further, the proposals for tourist animation in the West Region - Portugal (Silver Coast of Portugal included), will emerge to the eyes of the Portuguese, especially in Lisbon and Oporto, an investment of "approximately half a million euros that could double by next year, with support from municipalities and private initiative", revealed Bernardo Trindade, secretary of state for tourism, while presenting the programme at the Municipalities Association of the West-AMO headquarters.

"Everything New at the West/The All-New West - a destination to Discover" is the motto of the campaign that will present the Portuguese with 36 events of the twelve counties of the Western Region of Portugal.

Among other changes, in promotional leaflets, is the cake of chocolate in a reference to the Chocolate Festival of Obidos, replacing other traditional sweets of the region, or the four wheel motorcycle next to a horse, the sea with a kite-surfer, golf, Wines and carnival.

Silver Coast – Portugal welcomes 8th Sardine Festival

The parking lot near the Municipal Library of Caldas da Rainha (Silver Coast - Portugal) will be the stage, on 18, 19, 20 and 21 of June, for the 8th Festival of the Sardine, an organization of the Cultural, Sport and Recreation Association of Santo Onofre.

The programme is as follows: Day 18 - Group Amigos da Farra; Day 19 - Light Orchestra Carvalhense / Group SonJovem; Day 20 - Group Fox 88; Day 21 - Musical Group Som / Marcha popular.

The spectacle of colour and joy of the People Parade (Marcha Popular) will take place on June the 21st, at 22 h, at the Square of UAL, in Caldas da Rainha.

A-dos-Francos will represent itself with two parades, Santo Antonio and Espirito Santo. Saint Onofre is to be represented by the parade group of Monte Olivetti. The invited parade group won the people’s parade of Lisbon last year and brings the colours of Alfama.

The parades and their representatives will be formally received, at about 18:30 in the Cultural and Congress Centre, followed by a socialization dinner between the various groups of the parade that night.

The Marchas Populares Parade is an organization of the City Council.

Silver Coast - Portugal hosts International Golf Meeting

These days Portugal is a top reference golf destination in Europe. The quality and diversity of their courses (many of them signed by names of world reference), the quality / price ratio, the know-how existing operating, and the climate and safety factors are competitive at the destination. “This is one conclusion of the first International Meeting of Golf, held in Praia d'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort at Obidos on days 5 and 6 of June.

The event, sponsored by the Tourism Agency of Portugal, also concluded that "it is essential that the supply of golf presents himself as a distinctive and integrated experience" and that for that to happen "are the various dimensions to be taken into account", namely " the landscape of exception, the design of the field as part of that leverage and a landscape of golf unforgettable experience, the icons of the distinctive environment, quality and customization of services available to golfers, quality and variety of supplementary provision, aimed primarily to their associates, knowledge of the market and promoting the destination, cooperation in the organization of supply, the media exposure - of fields (such as areas of unique experiences), the sport (as sport in harmony with nature) and international sport events (demonstrating the quality and reputation of the destination) ".

Moreover, it is intended that there are "increasing the number of Portuguese players," pointing to as "essential to ensure sustainable development of existing supply," so that "the municipalities, the sports structures, the golf courses and administration are required to find the best solutions for boosting domestic demand for golf. "

The chairman of the Portuguese Golf Federation, Manuel Agrellos, recalled that, while there are about 70 million golf players in the world, in Portugal there are only 20 thousand.

The chairman of the agency Tourism of Portugal, Luis Patrao, revealed that the country will have by 2010 a hundred golf courses, making Portugal a qualified destination for golf.

Also present at the meeting, Severiano Ballesteros, who was one of the best players in the world, praised the quality of golf courses in Portugal.

The Spanish ensured that he ended his long and brilliant career in professional golf, not even seeing the possibility of playing in the Senior Tour (for players over 50). He now dedicates himself to family and drawing golf courses.

European tour operators visit the Silver Coast, Portugal

On days 1, 2 and 3, of June, took place a professional visit to the Silver Coast and West region of Portugal, by 20 tour operators from several European countries, particularly Germany, United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Spain.

It was undertaken in cooperation with tour operator in Portugal DMC, one of the largest suppliers of customers for the western region.

At the choice of the DMC, the hotel Marriott Beach d 'El Rey, in Obidos, hosted large part of the event, where he held a workshop between "vendors / suppliers", also extended to companies in the area of Estoril and the Blue Coast.

Were also visited the Westin Hotel Campo Real and its golf course, the Quinta do Sanguinhal, where there was a wine tasting, Obidos and the bar Ibn Errik Rex, where he was sampled the ginja (cherry liquor) of Obidos, the Golden Eagle golf course, the Bom Sucesso golf course design, to open in September, the Laguna de Obidos and Cape Carvoeiro. There was still time for a golf tournament in Praia d'El Rey Golf Resort.

These promotional trips fall into the philosophy of bringing the Silver Coast, West Region to the eyes, ears and stomach of some of the top European tourism operators.

Urban Golf at Silver Coast – Portugal

Next Saturday, the lovers of golf will have another opportunity to test their dexterity in an environment very different from usual, on the Island of Baleal (Peniche, Silver Coast –Portugal).

The Urban Golf is based on traditional golf, but this is practiced in an urban setting and with some adjustments. The players exchanged the fields with a space under construction, a parking lot or a street. Creativity, irreverence, innovation are some of the concepts that make this sport a growing one in Portugal.

The intention to promote this practice is not to achieve the glamour of the sport, but to stimulate interest and promote the considerable increase of practitioners and followers of golf, especially young ones. The goal is also to put together a Portuguese team of excellence in order to promote the first European Cup.

The receipt of all stakeholders to participate in a maximum of 80, is made in the Surf Castle in Baleal, by 14:00, where are all available resources and all the information. The inscription has a cost of 20 euros and entitles the use of bat, all of 12 balls and tees, an entry to the concert of the Festival Flavours of the Sea (DapunkSportif and Blasted Mechanism), merchandising of the Festival, among other offerings.

Walking for Cultural Diversity at Obidos

The village of Obidos (Silver Coast-Portugal) was coupled with the celebrations of the European Year for Intercultural Dialogue with the completion of a journey on the morning of May, the 25th.

This initiative resulted from a challenge of the High Commissioner for Immigration and Intercultural Dialogue at all places Centers Support Integration of Immigrants (CLAII) existing in the country.

The organization of the trek was in charge of CLAII of Obidos. The initiative was also supported by the assembly 753 of the Boy scouts of Obidos and Joaquim Elias Timoteo Carlos (who provided the pieces of fruit distributed by the participants at the end of the trek).

The location and route were chosen based on the theme of walking. The town of Obidos, one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal, is an excellent example of the intersection of diverse cultural influences, not only in the past, with the various civilizations that passed through this place, but also in this, where many foreign nationals seeking this county to live or visit.

The definition of the route concerned accessibility for all who wished to participate, regardless of age or physical preparation.

The hike had around a hundred participants, aged between 2 and 77 years of age and several nationalities.

The meeting point was in the tourist office of the village of Obidos, where t-shirts were distributed to all participants. Some tourists wanted to join the walk. On arrival, each participant received a certificate.

“I’m from Peniche” (Silver Coast-Portugal) Convention

Scheduled for June the 13th, and once again integrated into the Flavours of the Sea Festival, the Convention "I’m from Peniche" will again be a meeting point of all of those who feel part of the local community and wish to contribute actively in the discussion of its future.

After the success of the first edition, marked by strong public participation, 2008 will be the year of the assertion that this is already an important time to share experiences, debate of ideas and discussion about the development of the territory of Peniche.

Recalling, once again, the unique strengths and values of the county, the II Convention "I’m from Peniche" will, this year, as a focal point, show the first presentation of preliminary results of the Magna Carta- Strategic Plan - Peniche 2025.

Planning of the Silver Coast - Portugal upon public discussion

Until August 4th is underway the public discussion of the Regional Plan of Territorial Planning of the West and Tagus Valley (PROT-OVT), covering the sub-regions of the West, Middle Leziria and Mid Tagus region, which together make fore more of than 800 thousand inhabitants spread over 8 792 square kilometres and 33 municipalities of the districts of Leiria, Santarem and Lisbon.
The document was drafted over 18 months, with the participation of regional and national entities represented in the Joint Committee on Coordination (CMC), 11 plenary meetings and 26 meetings of working groups.

The technical teams, consisting of bodies and specialists in each area, made an analysis of each sector, both in terms of diagnosis, and the vision and strategic options of the plan, from agriculture to socio-economy, tourism and the conservation of nature to mobility.

For the first time a diagnosis was made of energy issues in the region, which has concluded that the West and Tagus Valley has the potential to increase by 40 percent its energy autonomy, based on their own and renewable sources (80% in electricity).
The document now subject to public discussion outlines the diagnosis of the West and Tagus Valley and proposes a vision and strategic options for its development over the next decade. The plan will be delivered to the government in September this year and place for ten years after its publication.

Were studied four strategic priorities, based mainly on competitiveness (axis 1 - win the challenge of innovation, competitiveness and internationalization), in recovery (axis 2 - leverage the territorial vocations within a framework of environmental sustainability), as (axis 3 - achieving polycentric vision and enhance the quality of urban life) and multifunctionality (axis 4 - discover the new rural ways of life).

It is expected investment of 2.8 billion euros in major projects over the ten-year period. Implementation of the plan will have a follow-up committee, supported by an observatory team.
Among the projects is the proposed rail link between the New Airport of Lisbon and the line of the North (Cartaxo / Santarem), possibly taking advantage of the channel's line of Setil, thereby creating a new axis of development and modernization into the interior of the line of the West.

The document of OVT-PROT can be found in http://consulta-protovt.inescporto.pt. At this site is also available a form for submission of contributions by all stakeholders to participate. They will also be promoted three sessions decentralised public, open to all interested parties.

Silver Coast – Portugal receives Festival “Flavours of the Sea”

The 9th edition of the “Flavours of the Sea” Festival, at Peniche, the self proclaimed wave capital of Portugal. Also "home” of the triathlon, Peniche will stage all this and much more from 6 to June 15, samples of food, crafts, entertainment, sports and other cultural manifestations.

Fifteen miles, the equivalent to 24 kilometres, is what will have to swim Nuno Vicente and Miguel Arrobas, defying the waves of the sea and the danger of Peniche on June 8, with the obligatory passage through Berlengas islands. The crossing is marked departure from Farilhoes, at 11 A.M., and arriving at the 5 P.M.

Peniche will also host other important events such as regattas, sailboat and kayak races, the Beach Football Championship, at Baleal, on day 6 (from 16 to 20h), and on the 8th (from 11 to 12 hours, and from 15 to 19h); the parade of pirates through the city, a competition of Triathlon School (day 11, to 15:30 at the Quebrado Beach ) and 25th edition of the Triathlon "City of Peniche" (day 14, from 15h), in homage to the place exactly where this mode was born in Portugal, for almost 25 years.

This communion between land and sea, the flavours and adventure, follows the initiative of the Municipal Council of Peniche together with entities such as the West Region of Tourism, the Association for the Development of Peniche and the Association of Commercial and Industrial Services of the Municipality of Peniche.

The music will also be a strong dish of IX Festival "Flavours of the Sea", with three concerts scheduled to Ribeira Velha: Jorge Palma day 7, at 23:30; Beto, August 13, the 23h and the Blasted Mechanism on 14, the 22:30, with the first part of the concert by local band Dapunksportif. Campo da Republica will also stage Portuguese popular music, with showcase by ethnic band Xaile, on day 6, at 22h.

Lisbon Real Estate Exhibition - Oct. 22 - 26 FIL Portugal

The fair will be holding the latest edition of SIL (Lisbon Real Estate Exhibition). Lisbon, Portugal.

Associação dos Profissionais e Empresas de Mediação Imobiliária de Portugal (APEMIP) - APEMIP

Oct. 22 - 26 FIL (The International Fair of Lisbon)

In its 10th edition, the Lisbon Real Estate Fair (SIL) will present some news: a new image, a new calendar date, from October 24th – 28th, a renewed Organizing Committee, New Discount Policies and a new team, amongst many more. In 2007 the challenge is even bigger, the relevance of this event as a mandatory meeting point for businessmen, technicians and potential buyers, make it a national reference for the sector with international projection, which already secured presence in the calendar of international events competing with the main similar events in Europe.

For further information's please go to http://www.imobiliario.fil.pt/ Lisbon , Portugal

International Exhibition for the Construction and Industry - CONCRETA

CONCRETA (International Exhibition for the Construction and Industry) will be held from 1 October 2008 at EXPONOR. Porto, Portugal.

Porto, Portugal - Associação dos Profissionais e Empresas de Mediação Imobiliária de Portugal (APEMIP) - APEMIP

Silver Coast - Portugal, Photo Exhibit recalls Nazare of the old days

The Cultural Center of Nazare hosts until the next day June 8th an exhibition of photographs that evoke the life of this fishing village in the 40's. In Tempo(com) sentido or "Time (With) Sense" the photos are 60 persons belonging to the collection of Jose Maria Carvalho Junior, known local doctor and amateur photographer, which focus on the human element and cultural identity of the town, offering a look beyond the context of the community fishing season.

Known locally as "doctor of the people," Carvalho Junior marked the civic and cultural activity of Nazare in the mid-twentieth century. His name is directly linked to the Library of Nazare, who founded and directed for several years, the newspaper Probus, "is born by his hand and by his brother, the Orfeao of Nazare, the Philarmonic Nazare Band and several groups of amateur theatre .

"Time (With) Sense" is an exhibition sponsored by the Library of Nazare and the League of Friends of Nazare, with the support of City Hall, and can be visited from Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 19:00. On holidays and week-ends the Cultural Center of Nazare is open between 15:00 and 19:00.

Portugal - Silver Coast Tourism and Hotel School Awards

Students of the Tourism and Hotel School were awarded

Cristina Cordeiro, attending the course of post-secondary training in techniques of Tourism, and Valter Ribeiro, attending the Advanced Course in Pastry (also post-secondary, first and only offer of training in this area throughout the country), are students of the Tourism and Hotel School of the West – Obidos (Silver Coast – Portugal), and were in the spotlight at the Tourism Inter-School Contest of Portugal, held at the premises of the Tourism and Hotel School of Lamego, from 7 to May 9.

In the open area of tourism, Cristina Cordeiro was the winner, demonstrating technical skills, professional and relational that, in addition to guarantee her first place immediately put in focus the work of the Obidos School at EHT Oeste, which only began their activities two years ago.

This student will represent the Tourism Schools of Portugal in the competition for tourism, called the meeting of the European Association of Tourism Schools (international training contests), to be held in Kuressare, Estonia, in October this year.

In the area of Pastry, Valter Ribeiro failed to achieve the first place (the prize went to a student of the local Tourism School of Lamego), but the creativity demonstrated by this couple led the jury to make an exception and for the first time in these competitions, the Tourism of Portugal distinguished a competitor with a Honourable Mention.

Valter Ribeiro is a native of Alfandega da Fe, relocated to Obidos with the specific purpose of attending the Advanced Course of Pastry, for it is only in this town that there is the possibility of obtaining a professional qualification at level IV in Pastry.