XXV Festival of Portuguese Wine (Silver Coast - Portugal)

The oldest wine event in the country, the Portuguese Wine Festival, is back at Bombarral (Silver Coast - Portugal), between days 19 and 27 of July.

Created in the 60s, the 1st Festival/ Exhibition of Portuguese Wine, as designated at the time, usually ran, as was reported at the time by the newspaper "Echos of Bombarral," between the days 6 and 9 of October.

Conducting as a non continued for some years, was from the year 1993, when the 10th edition, showed that the event was definitely affirming annually, assuming itself as a national event.

The 25th edition of the Portuguese Wine Festival, apart from being a high point of life for this event, it should also be understood as "a moment of reflection on the contribution of this event for the development and the dynamics of wine in Bombarral and across the Silver Coast in general, states the municipality promoter.

"Apart from a moment of celebration around the wine, the Portuguese Wine Festival is also an excellent vehicle for promotion, placing the county, the west region and Bombarral in the calendar of regional and national tours," notes.

According to the Board "from year to year the event has grown in a sustained and eventually asserting itself in the national scene, as one of the key events for the promotion and dissemination of national wines. This is evidenced by the increase of participants and the high number of visitors, who have during the event had opportunity to participate in wine tastes, buy good wines at more inviting prices, to attend various cultural and music shows and enjoy the local cuisine the traditional offers of the small local pubs. "

Over the years the Portuguese Wine Festival has had the ambition to raise its quality, contributing to disclose the name of Bombarral throughout the country and the good wines that are produced in the area as well as nation wide.

Fiscal incentives for good construction policies (Silver Coast - Portugal)

The City Hall of Obidos (Silver Coast - Portugal) is finalising a regulation of tax incentives for buildings that are made taking into account its sustainability. These incentives translate themselves into reductions in the amount of tax payable on the Municipal buildings or other fees.

This measure appears through the project Obidos Social Carbon, which aims to implement 24 measures that have as their main objective to contribute to 40% fall in emissions of greenhouse gases by 2020.

The announcement was made by Humberto Marques, councillor for the Environment, during a seminar devoted to the Environment and Nature, sponsored by the Obidos School of Advanced Studies of Tourism (ETUR) in the auditorium of the House of Music, June 27. This regulation is now being finished and will be released anytime soon.

During the seminar, were presented by Luis Rodrigues, the new courses of this school, which are "Eco tourism and Energy Certification", "Best Practices for Energy and Water Management in Tourism" and "Waste Management and Waste Water Treatment."

The first course has the duration of 16 hours (for two Saturdays) and plans to address the bio-climatic architecture, which allows substantial savings in energy consumption of buildings. This happens through air conditioning, lighting and ventilation. The course has the price of 195 euros.
The course of "Best Practices for Energy and Water Management in Tourism" is to the fact the invoice to pay for these two aspects in hotels is very high. "The costs of energy and water occupy the second place of bills to be paid on lodging, then human resources," said Luis Rodrigues.

The trainees will be able to structure a system for a tourism organization that includes details on the management of energy and water. The price of tuition is 97.50 euros (eight hours).

The third course aims to respond to growing legislative requirements in the area of waste and water treatment

The completion of these courses is subject to the number of entries received. Luis Rodrigues stressed that the courses are practical, so people will know what and how to do.

Blue Flag for Beach of Porto Dinheiro (Silver Coast - Portugal)

During an inspection carried out by technicians of CCDRLVT and Health Centre to several beaches in the county of Lourinha (Silver Coast - Portugal), on June 20, a Blue Flag was awarded to the beach of Porto Dinheiro and the award of Accessibility for the Beach of Peralta.

The allocation of the Blue Flag for the Beach of Valmitao is dependent on an opinion of the company Lisconcebe, which had a project, awarded by the Institute of Water (INAG), for improving the local security conditions in this seaside resort. According to the planned, the City has made interventions related to the protection of cliffs, with a defined perimeter security for the fall of objects, with the construction of a ditch and putting a protective net at the base of the cliff.

Regarding the flag of Accessible Beach - which certifies the quality of access for disabled citizens - the beaches of Areal and Areia Branca may also receive this award, whose assignment is dependent on the replacement of portable toilets therein.

Medieval Market of Obidos dedicated to Love and War

The 2008 edition of the Medieval Market of Obidos (Silver Coast – Portugal), 10 to July 20, will have more space and more animation.

The park's Village, opened on June 5 - World Environment Day, will stage a wide range of activities, including an International Meeting of Groups of Historical Recreation and "Medieval Hunts." The entrance of the Medieval Market will be the Port of Talhada, through the park.

"O Amor e a Guerra" (Love and War) is the theme of this Year’s Medieval Market of Obidos, which will have two distinct areas: a more rural one in the Town Park, with weapons and camps, and a more urban one, by the Castle wall, with new design.

The International Meeting of Groups of historical recreation joins seven groups of six European countries: Portugal, Spain, Poland, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Germany.

Also in the Village Park will take place medieval tournaments and hunting. A novelty in this year's edition of Obidos Medieval Market, where those interested, dressed accordingly, with arrows, bows and crossbows will have to shoot (and adjust) on targets in three dimensions, mimicking animals.

The wooded area is bounded by a rope for security reasons. This activity is subject to a paid membership. A kind of medieval "paintball" that promises to attract many visitors.

The Park will also stage the Village of exposure of individual animals, including horses, donkeys among others.

Another novelty in the 2008 edition is the parade of Medieval Costumes, on July 19, by 21:00, by the Castle wall.

The costumes are the same as those used in mainland Europe in the centuries XII, XIII and XIV, and represent either the economic and social classes of that period.

During the public presentation, a jury, composed of five experts in the field of history, will examine the costumes, with particular attention to the historical accuracy of the design, manufacture of quality craftsmanship and accessories.

The three best costumes will be distinguished, being ranked the best and rewarded with the offer of a voucher for purchases amounting to 500€ in the company's products "The Master of Arms" (www.omestredearmas.com).

Even the children were not forgotten in this event, with a space to play in the Auditorium of S. James, with traditional board games and face painting.

Like previous years, the entire animation will happen in different places, without appointment. The entry is five euros, except for householders, children under 12 years and people dressed the season.


Schedule

Week-ends - from 12.00 to 24.00

Day 10 - from 18.00 to 24.00

Other working days - from 17.00 to 24.00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

International Horse Jumping Competition

This Thursday, May 29, 2008 begins the edition of the Vimeiro jumping competition, at the Horse Riding Center of the Golf Mar Hotel (Silver Coast-Portugal).

It is one of the 70 most important competitions of the international circuit, in a universe of 3700 competitions authorized by the International Equestrian Federation, named for the qualification of the Olympic Games of Beijing 2008 and the Championship of Europe 2009

The CSI of four stars and a Prize Money of 165 thousand Euros, the largest awarded so far in the Vimeiro jumping competition, are the big news of this year's edition.

The 2008 season, which has Margarida Pinto Correia and Luis Represas as special guests, includes a total of six competitions - four international, one national and the championship of Portugal - which is held between May 29^th and October 5^th.

The first CSI, the 4 star Vimeiro runs from May 29^th and June 1^st. The capacity of 260 horses is already filled, assuring largest and best-ever participation in the Vimeiro-jumping competitions. In addition to belonging to the Portuguese Equestrian Tour, this contest is qualifying for the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008 and the Championship of Europe in 2009.

This circuit has its first edition in 2008, and it started with the CSIO 5 * of Lisbon, following after Vimeiro for CSI 4 * Ponte de Lima, CSI 4 * of Portimao and ends within a month, with the CSI 4 * of Vilamoura. This dynamic initiative surely puts Portugal as a prime destination of choice for horse riding in the international scene, favouring the Portuguese Tourism.

In this contest are represented 18 countries, among which stand out jocks Caytano Martinez de Irujo (ESP), Robert and Ellen Whitaker (ENG), Francois Mathy Jr. (BEL), Henk Van de Pol and Leon Thijssen (NED), Billu Twomey and Cameron Hanley (IRL), Pedro Andarade (Brazil) and the Portuguese Joao Chuva, Sabino Goncalves and three times national champ Marina Frutuoso de Melo.

One of the attractions of the combined jumps of Vimeiro Contests will be the "Kid Center”. With 700 m², animators and several activities, and teaching for all children who visit the Riding Centre these days.

Students of the Tourism 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 Inter-School’s of Tourism of Portugal Contest, 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.

Students of the Tourism 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 Inter-School’s of Tourism 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.

New Marina for Ericeira, Silver Coast - Portugal

Great news for all you sailors!

The Minister of Public Works, Transport and Communications, Mario Lino, will chair the ceremony for awarding the work to repair the Fishing Port of Ericeira, where their will be presented the project of the future Marina of Ericeira, next Monday at 5 o’clock in the afternoon, informed Joaquim Casado, chairman of the Board of the local council of Ericeira.

It is a work that comes "after forty years of waiting, desolation and sadness, bitterness and lack of confidence," declared the president of the local council, for whom "there are a number of adjectives associated with all this, and fishermen of Ericeira still do not believe."

And on that occasion will be revealed, the project of the future "Marina of Ericeira."

The IPTM - the Port and Maritime Transport Institute "will bring the responsible projector and will submit to put up for discussion, observation and analysis of fishermen and Ericeira locals, the development of the so-called Marina of Ericeira, with the construction of the south pier," said Joaquim Casado.

Currently there are two hundred people who are dedicated to the various maritime activities, and professional fishermen are about eighty.

The Silver Coast of Portugal continues to take the right steps to fulfil the potential recognized for ages.

The “Neighbour Fest” is back at Nazare

The council of Nazare (Silver Coast – Portugal) is going to organize a “Neighbour Fest” once again, an initiative to celebrate the European Day of Neighbours, which marks the next day, May the 27th.

To this end, the population of the county is invited, through the organization of the “Neighbour Fest” - in the street, in the courtyard of the urbanization, in the garden of the house, anywhere. Groups of neighbours interested in joining this initiative can make the inscription at the City Council or for more information through telephone 262550010.

The Neighbours' Day was first celebrated in France in 1999 with the aim of promoting relations of proximity, promoting solidarity and to combat the isolation increasingly common in urban areas, through the simple idea of a meeting of neighbours around the table.

Only in 2002 was to be reported as a European day, with the entry of Belgium and Switzerland. In the following years, more countries have joined this initiative and by 2007, seven million citizens, throughout Europe, were in the street with their neighbours.

Nazare participated last year for the first time, with a very positive balance sheet. Some 300 people joined the initiative and promoted various parties, and almost everywhere in town, animated by the Philharmonic Association of Nazare (which this year will also be responsible for the musical animation).

The “Neighbour Fest”, in Portugal, is an organization of the Portuguese Committee for the Coordination of Social Housing.

Old ways at Nazare

The xavega art (fishing technique) is one of the more traditional types of fishing of Nazare (Silver Coast - Portugal), and will return to the beach every Saturday afternoon, from May the 17th till the end of June.

Promoted by the city of Nazare and the Tourism Region of Leiria/ Fatima, in collaboration with the Commercial, Industrial and Local Services Association, this initiative is the reconstitution of the rituals of the xavega art, which fell into disuse in recent decades because of technological developments and the new economic and legal contexts of the sector.

The recreation is made by a local group who came to practice this art. As in other times, the fishing nets are being thrown back in the morning in areas off the coast, known as "lances" (known by fishermen as special spots, called by signs of land and sea). By late afternoon, there is the extended net work - pulled from the beach, by fishermen and fish saleswomen, in what is the most emblematic moment of the xavega art.

The fish caught is then sold in a spontaneous auction on the beach in front of the Sousa Oliveira Plaza, in reconstitution of the old processes of sale, with the traditional "chui", the signal that closed the purchase.

Preserving the collective memory through the dissemination of maritime culture, contributing to the strengthening of local identity, is the main objective of rebuilding the xavega art, which also has become in recent years, a major tourist poster of the region.

The xavega art will be held on Saturdays, till the end of June, if state of the sea and weather conditions permit so. The high point of recreation takes place by 5 P.M., with extended net pulling in the sand, in the area in front of the local Tourism Office of Nazare.

Silver Coast sees high level Surfing

Peniche (Silver Coast – Portugal) hosted the Rip Curl Pro Junior surfing championship at the beach of Supertubos assured of world-class waves.

This year the event, originally scheduled for four days, had only three, after a joint decision with the organisation, Rip Curl, and the four athletes in the semi-final. Instead the decision to postpone the last day of waiting time, decided to end while there still where waves, at a time when the sea gave up a jump - a gift of more great waves from Peniche, as throughout the competition, and did not failed to appear at a time when the four best surfers of the event where found.

The semi-finals were held in French, by Maxime Huscenot and Marc Lacomare, France, and Medi Verminardi and Adrien Toyon, Reunion Islands, which were the athletes most in form throughout the championship, and in the last heat of the day, easily showed why
They put out a great show for the finals, hard fought, between Medi and Marc, ending a victory smile by the latter.

Medi Verminardi known for his extreme kindness and professionalism, coupled with a huge stamina for surfing. The youngster from Reunion Island made much of the championship injured, having twisted the foot on the first day of competition, and still reached the final, even though he was limping from the beach: "I am very happy, I made it to the end, even a little injured, but this is a wave that I love. Where you can make great tubes, or than when it is small, because I love when I can make many manoeuvres and Peniche offers all kinds of ramps, it seems like a skate park."

For Marc Lacomare the victory was very important and was dedicated to his mother’s birthday. This result is very important for the intentions of Lacomare, aimed to be the next European champion: "This victory makes me feel very happy, I can hardly wait for the next event, these waves in Peniche helped very much, it was always possible to find a tube, a section to blast, or a wave with sufficient quality to make a contest here."

The three Portuguese who were better classified all lost in quarter-finals of heats with four men - Frederico Morais, Cesar Rosa and Vasco Ribeiro all finished equal 13th place, which is a result to improve in the future, but which can now count to fight for the top spots of the international Pro Junior circuit.

Antonio Pedro, from Alfarroba, organizer of the event, was very happy with the championship held, even if forced to cut one day of competition: "Great sun, many waves, very good surfing, and an opportunity for the Portuguese surfers to compete with the best waves and the best surfers. The beach of Supertubos was always packed with fans, with many following an event that will remain in the memory of surfers and surf fans alike, for many years to come."

Silver Coast and sport tourism, the best combination for the smart real estate investor

1st International Meeting of Golf

The Tourism of Portugal promotes from the 5^th till the 6^th of June, in Obidos (Silver Coast –Portugal), the 1^st International Meeting of Golf - Portugal, a destination of competitive golf. At the meeting will be presented cases of national and international success in the design and management of golf courses and promoting the country as a competitive destination for the practice of the sport.

The meeting is aimed at entrepreneurs, investors, managers and other industry players of the golf course, between public and private entities, and with the attendance of Secretary of State for Tourism, Bernardo Trindade, President of Tourism of Portugal, Luis Patrao, the chairman of the Tourist Region of the West, Antonio Carneiro, President of the Portuguese Golf Federation, Manuel Agrellos, and the Deputy Minister of Environment, Spatial Planning and Regional Development, Maria da Graca Saraiva.

During two days, the Praia d'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort in Obidos, receives conferences of several personalities of reference of the sport, as Severiano Ballesteros.

The international meeting falls within the National Strategic Plan for Tourism (PENT) that defined golf as one of ten products which will increase the development of domestic tourism.

Silver Coast better connected

On May, the 14th, The Minister of Public workings will inaugurate the new section of highway A17, which will extend the connection of the previous motorway, which begins in Marinha Grande, by Mira, in the coastal district of Coimbra.

The works of the section that will connect Lourical (which ends up to now) to Mira were visited in April by the governor, who said that the inauguration would be marked at the time.

As the A17 has a direct link to motorway A8, in Marinha Grande, the completion of these 60 kilometres will bring Lisbon and the entire Silver Coast and west region to that area, with particular reference to Figueira da Foz.

The motorway of the Centre will be a complement to A1 and an alternative to IC 2 and to EN 109.

With an investment of 353 million euros, the last leg of the A17 will produce between two to three routes in each direction, eight viaducts - among them the new bridge over the Mondego river - 50 overpasses and seven lower, a toll in Mira, an area of service and another area of support.

A year ago, also in May, had been inaugurated the first section of the motorway of the Central Coast (A17) between Marinha Grande and Lourical, county of Pombal, including the connection to Monte Real in the county of Leiria.

Traditional Cherry Liquor of Portugal

The Ginja (cherry liquor) M.S.R. Alcobaca emerged in the decade of the 20’s of the twentieth century by the hands of Manuel de Sousa Ribeiro, challenging the traditional homemade cherry liquor’s that fell outside Alcobaca, especially in the monastery of Santa Maria, proposed to make the best of liquors.

Known mainly for its bottle, of a conical shape, the Ginja MSR follows the formula of a single manufacturing, which remains unchanged until today, a craft process. For the rich flavour of liquor ruby ring smoothness contributes to the quality of the fruit manually collected only once a year in the area of Alcobaca and neighbouring counties, and the secular tradition of the Cistercian monks, who took advantage of the temperate climate and unique conditions in the region, strongly influenced by the proximity of the sea.

The history, characteristics and curiosities of what is already one of the symbols of Alcobaca, truly appreciated by thousands of tourists who pass throughout the year, are now on the Internet, on a site created by the company responsible for its production.

At www.ginja.pt is still possible to make orders and access to tips for a better tasting of the cherry liquor or as we say in the Silver Coast and Portugal, Ginja.

Silver Coast receives International Meeting of Archaeology

The auditorium of the City Council of Torres Vedras will receive from 1st to May 5th, an International Meeting of Archaeology under the theme "Vases (bell-beakers): Symbols of a European Community Cultural 5,000 years ago."

This initiative brings together specialists from different countries (Portugal, Spain, Morocco, France, Switzerland, Italy, England, Austria, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Netherlands and Slovakia) that share knowledge and experience in this subject.

According to a press release off the municipality, this meeting aims to "create a basis for discussion, understanding and explanation of the subject - widespread throughout Europe in the 2nd half of the 3rd Millennium a. C. -- Addressing it in different regional contexts."

The discovery of those vases in various parts of Europe indicate the existence of regular trading on the old continent five thousand years ago and, in consequence, of a community that has emerged from that European cultural exchange, which was accompanied by other events such as domestication of the horse or the use of the wheel. It is the appearance of such cultural community that is ultimately the "Bell-beaker phenomenon."

Under this meeting are planned visits to sites related to the themes of the same, as the Castro of Zambujal, the Penedo of Lexim (Mafra), Leceia (Oeiras), the Museum of Cascais, Perdigoes (Reguengos de Monsaraz) and Alcalar (Portimão ).

In parallel with this meeting will feature, from April 30th to August 31st, the Leonel Trinidad Municipal Museum, in Torres Vedras, an exhibition with the same theme of the meeting.

This exhibition aims to be a starting point for a debate on the "Bell-beaker phenomenon ", presenting the results of the latest archaeological research in this field, held in various parts of Europe.

Reservations for guided visits to this exhibition, which has an itinerant nature, shall be made by phone number 261310484.