Ocean Spirit, major water sport festival (Silver Coast – Portugal)

The beach of Santa Cruz, in the county of Torres Vedras, will receive from day 16 to 27 this month, the Ocean Spirit - International Festival of Wave Sports, with six contests, national and international, to run for relevant championships.

According to the organization, that presented the event this Monday, "after the 80 thousand visitors of last year event, this year are expected 120 thousand."

Only in this country can all this action be observed, between the Vigia and Fisica beaches, in Santa Cruz. "The Wave Masters, which is the championship of Kitesurfing, there are five contests in the world, the first was in France, the second will be in Santa Cruz, we have the Zap Skimboard International, we have the World Cup of Kayaksurf, there was never a contest in national territory, and we have the National Championship of Kayaksurf that has never taken place in Santa Cruz, "stressed Bruno Melo's Ocean Spirit Association.

The show will run from the Beach of Fisica and the Beach of Vigia, in Santa Cruz, depending on the condition of the sea and waves and may even take place four contests simultaneously.

In the space of 15 square meters began to be erected the "Village of Neptune" that will have a pool, 12 schools, 19 shops, 12 bars and two restaurants.

The proposal of the organization for animation will be from sunset until three o'clock in the morning. "We want to start the animation at half past seven in the afternoon, at the first stage in Neptune, where we watch the sunset with sound more calm, around ten o'clock starts the second band, in the biggest stage, which plays until midnight when then enters the DJ who will carry on with the night until three in the morning "explained Bruno Melo. The area for night events has capacity for ten thousand people and this year the entries will be paid with prices between two and five euros.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Silver Coast “samples” the IX Fair of Handicrafts and Flavours

Until April 30 the inscriptions are open to the participation of artisans in the IX^th Handicrafts and Flavours Fair, at Sobral de Monte Agraco – Silver Coast of Portugal.

The fair will take place in the Parque Verde das Bandorreiras, on the 7^th and 8^th of June and will include music, art as well as street animation throughout the week-end.

Entries must be made in the Municipal Library of Sobral de Monte Agraco through the location Rua (street) do Municipio, 2590-038 Sobral de Monte Agraco, the phone number 261948265 or by fax 261948266.

Opera and History at the Silver Coast

The Monastery of Santa Maria in Alcobaca (Silver Coast of Portugal) is already operating on the summer schedule.

From April the 1st until September the 30th, it is now possible to visit, the monument elected in 2007 as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, between the time between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., the ticket office closes 30 minutes before.

The summer schedule allows visitors to see more rooms and Cistercian cloisters for another two hours, since between October and March the doors close at 5 p.m.

Similar to what happened last year, the lyrical singer Luis Pecas will be present on a daily basis, during the summer months, for special shows in the unique monument.

At 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the Chapter Room is the privileged stage to hear some of the most beautiful arias of opera and music by the voice of the local religious tenor, one of the best of the Silver Coast of Portugal.

Crazy Cars race the Silver Coast

The second edition of the Crazy Cars Race is back to Caldas da Rainha on May 25th, a Sunday, with the inscriptions under way until the contest day.

After having participated last year about 100 people, divided into 18 teams and some individual shares, the councillor Hugo Oliveira hopes that in 2008 the participation level will be even greater. "We want to have more crazy cars and to involve more people, encouraging their creativity and at the same time to make disclose more about our city," explained the councillor for Youth.

Apart from building an original and no motor car that travels the streets of Caldas da Rainha, participants must also participate in a proof of knowledge, responding to several questions about the city. This time there will also be some physical evidence.

As for cars, there are no limits to the imagination. They can be processed bicycles, cars, bearings, skates, roller blades or other means of transportation other than motor. According to Hugo Oliveira, there are groups that have started to build their cars, but there is still time for new subscriptions. The deadline for admission is up to 13:00, on the day of the race.

There will be two categories, individual and in groups and in both cases is distinguishing the means of transport that has the greatest creativity (60%) and best score in the test of knowledge (40%). The first prize will be a week-end in a European capital, but is not yet defined the destination. The second and third prize will be a week-end in a youth hostel.

Last year the winners were a group of students of the Training Centre for the metal industry (Cenfim) and Claudino Moreira.

The route will start in front of Town Hall, crossing the street Herois da Grande Guerra, among other streets, and ending at the statue of Queen Leonor.

In the first edition, the fact that the route required cutting traffic off of several streets was very complicated, even taking into account the fact that it wasSunday, which caused many complaints. So, this year, was chosen pedestrian areas for the race.

Since Hugo Oliveira is also responsible for the Trade matters at City Hall, he wants to use this event to encourage more people to come to the city on a Sunday afternoon and make their purchases. "What people have had this experience in Caldas on a Sunday afternoon?”

The City Hall has already contacted the trade association for this entity awareness among its members at the centre of Caldas to be open doors for the day. The municipality also defies traders to join the initiative.

Observation circuit, more than 100 species of birds

At the “Tapada” (Nature Reserve) of Mafra – Silver Coast, it will be possible to see more than one hundred species of birds, starting from May. "We will open a new circuit which is the bird observation circuit", revealed Ricardo Paiva, director of the “Tapada”. "It’s the great challenge of the year, we made the lifting of that journey and we know that is, more often, seen species" of birds, explained.

At the “Tapada” (Nature Reserve) of Mafra – Silver Coast, every year is looking to submit a new product, and this year, it will be possible to observe chapins, felozas, pintassilgos, piscos pectoris red, as well as couples of birds of prey. This is the case of the Bonelli Eagle, which can reach underground and medium-scale, and whose offspring’s are the first flight in May and can be observed accompanied by parents throughout the area of the “Tapada”, Royal Bufo, a kind of owl of large dimensions, and the Azor (similar to the hawk), specialist in hunting birds in full flight, all nesting in the “Tapada”.

Apart from this route of bird observation, which will be in operation from May, the “Tapada” (Nature Reserve) of Mafra – Silver Coast already provides "walking, train and horseback, with horses themselves, and even a treasure hunt."

Climate change is a concern at the “Tapada” (Nature Reserve) of Mafra – Silver Coast, vulnerable to forest fires in summers of extreme drought. Another concern is that climate change can destroy the biodiversity due to not giving it time to make the kind of natural selection to adapt to the new climate.

"I fear very much that today's species do not have time to adapt, (climate change which were felt in centuries now occur in decades), we run a serious risk of diminishing our biodiversity, that is another area/ goal that the “Tapada” wants to seize next, he said. "We are neglecting the biodiversity issues that will be fundamental to our future," warned.

Berlenga Island, Silver Coast protects its jewels

The Natural Reserve of the Berlenga Island, off the coast of Peniche – Silver Coast of Portugal, has new marine inhabitants, revealed Julio Coelho, chairman of the Technology University of the Sea-ESTM, at the end of the ceremony of a protocol signing by the local municipality with Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Biodiversity - ICNB, Institute for Environment and Development - IDAD - University of Aveiro, and the Polytechnic Institute of Leiria - ESTM, aimed at drawing up the dossier of the candidacy of Berlenga Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO.

"There are species that have appeared here, in our seabed, which supposedly was not anticipated being there for these latitudes," said Julio Coelho. This is a specificity that "already identified and will be released, through a sub-aquatic photo investigation" which will be published shortly. "These are species of algae, which are set in stone, that it was not supposed to be there, and a species of fish that was not supposed to go there, as was identified," he explained.

These new species might be able to adapt to the climate change that the planet has suffered in recent years with increase in temperature, the teacher admitted. "It will have to do with marine currents, with temperatures of water, and micro-environmental conditions that meanwhile were installed, round the Berlengas, which provided the setting of species that were not supposed to exist here," he said.

Compiling programmes of environmental management

The preparation of the application file is now in charge of Professor Henrique Queiroga, of the University of Aveiro for whom it is necessary to ensure that there is "compatibility with the Human Nature" in the archipelago of Berlengas. "We will make the compilation of information that the UNESCO requires as essential, to decide on the programmes of environmental management that are under way and show that we will articulate the political, economic, social, tourist and conservationist, to preserve the environment "of the Natural Reserve of the Berlengas, explained.

According to the mayor of Peniche, Jose Antonio Correia, the municipality intends to promote sustainable development and preservation of important natural heritage, demonstrating in practice, "attitudes of social responsibility that morally assist this." The recognition which is to be expected from the UNESCO "will also disclose to the world the full potential and unique heritage that has Berlenga Island, and that is important to unveil and value," stressed.

Silver Coast, safer and more accessible

S. Martinho do Porto will have a pedestrian bridge over the railroad.

In the near future, residents and tourists from the village of Sao Martinho do Porto can rely on a pedestrian crossing that will connect the train station to the beach sidewalk.

The installation of this equipment is the result of an agreement between the City Hall of Alcobaca, REFER and a civil construction company responsible for a resort that is already being built in the village and that is exclusively meant as second homes for English families. The contractor is responsible for building such equipment, which could be used by all, on the other hand the City Hall of <