Thousands of candles to light up Lagoa

Lagoa‘s historic centre will once again be transformed by the glow of thousands of candles this summer as the Mercado de Culturas à Luz das Velas (Market of Cultures by Candlelight) returns from July 2 to 5 for four evenings celebrating the Portuguese-speaking world.

Now in its 11th edition, the free event has become one of the Algarve’s most distinctive summer festivals, drawing visitors into a candlelit maze of streets, courtyards and cultural spaces around the Convento de São José (São José Convent).

This year’s theme, Mostra da Culturalidade Lusófona (Showcase of Lusophone Culture), shines a spotlight on the countries and communities linked by the Portuguese language, bringing together music, dance, gastronomy, literature, storytelling and traditional arts from across several continents.

Organised by Lagoa municipal council, the festival aims to celebrate the cultural ties that connect Portugal with countries including Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau, while highlighting the different identities and traditions that have emerged throughout the Lusophone world.

As darkness falls each evening, thousands of candles will illuminate the city centre, creating the intimate atmosphere that has become the event’s trademark. Against this backdrop, visitors will be able to explore performances, exhibitions, artisan stalls and food experiences inspired by the cultures of the Portuguese-speaking world.

Music once again forms the heart of the programme. The opening night on July 2 will feature performances from Guinea-Bissau’s Bacisko Susso, renowned for his mastery of the kora, alongside Cape Verde’s Grupo Firmeza Batucadeiras, Angola’s Nelo Carvalho & Banda Njila Yetu, Brazilian artists Lídia Brandão Quarteto and Lilly Pitta & Mingo Costa, as well as traditional Portuguese music and fado performances.

Throughout the festival, the streets surrounding the convent will host a wide range of entertainment, storytelling sessions and cultural encounters designed to encourage visitors to explore the historic centre at a slower pace.

The convent will also host exhibitions dedicated to Lusophone literature and culture, while the cloisters will become home to a gastronomic space celebrating flavours from Lusophone Africa.

Festivities will run from 7pm to 12.30am. Admission is free.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.