NARRARTE Pop-Up: Engenheiros do Papel – Creative Youth Workshop in Loulé, Algarve

NARRARTE: Pop-Up – Engenheiros do Papel is a free storytelling and paper art workshop for young people in Loulé, a lively town in the central Algarve, ideal for creative kids, families and expat residents.

What is NARRARTE: Pop-Up – Engenheiros do Papel?

This NARRARTE session brings together oral storytelling and visual arts in a playful, interactive way. Led by writer Leda Pestana and illustrator Alberto do Vale, the workshop explores the magical world of youth literature and pop-up books.

The event takes place at the Biblioteca Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen in Loulé and is designed specifically for young people aged 10 to 14. Over around two hours, participants move from listening to stories to creating their own small three-dimensional paper artworks.

The focus is on discovery, experimentation and imagination, encouraging each child to turn a flat sheet of paper into a tiny world that opens and closes, just like a pop-up book.

Why visitors and expats will enjoy this event

For families living in or visiting the Algarve, this workshop is a great way to connect children with Portuguese culture in a relaxed, creative setting. It offers:

• A structured, screen-free activity on a winter morning in the Algarve.
• A chance for young expats and visiting children to mix with local youngsters.
• An introduction to Portuguese youth literature and illustration through visual storytelling.
• A welcoming environment in a public library, ideal for those getting to know Loulé.

Even if your child’s Portuguese is still developing, the strong visual and hands-on nature of the workshop makes it easier to follow along and enjoy.

What to expect

The NARRARTE: Pop-Up – Engenheiros do Papel workshop is structured around three main moments:

• Visual exploration of pop-up books: The session begins with a short look at different pop-up books, helping participants understand how folds and cuts can create movement and depth.
• Storytelling and imagination: Through oral storytelling and visual prompts, the facilitators invite the group into the “enchanted world” of youth literature, sparking ideas for their own creations.
• Hands-on paper engineering: Using simple folds, cuts and assembly techniques, each participant designs and builds a small three-dimensional paper scene. There is room for trial and error, surprise and personal expression.

At the end, every young person leaves with a unique piece of art they have made themselves – a small pop-up world that starts closed and opens outwards.

Practical information

Dates and opening times

The workshop is scheduled for 24 January 2026, starting at 10:00 and lasting approximately two hours. As with any cultural activity, it is sensible to arrive a little early so children can settle in comfortably.

Age group and language

The activity is aimed at young people aged 10 to 14. The session is organised by the Loulé municipality and will be oriented towards this age group, with a focus on creativity, fine motor skills and independent expression.

The event is part of a Portuguese cultural programme, so you can expect Portuguese to be the main language. However, the strong visual and practical component means that non-native speakers can still participate and enjoy the experience.

How to get there

Loulé is in the central Algarve, inland from the coast and within easy reach of many popular resort areas. It is a practical day trip from towns such as Faro, Vilamoura, Quarteira and Albufeira.

The workshop takes place at the Biblioteca Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, a municipal library in Loulé. If you are driving, allow extra time to find parking and walk to the library. Taxis and ride-hailing services are also a convenient option from nearby coastal resorts.

For those staying longer term in the Algarve, Loulé is well worth exploring beyond the workshop, with its traditional streets, market and relaxed local atmosphere.

Tips for making the most of your visit

• Book in advance: As places are limited and free, secure your child’s spot by emailing the library ahead of time.
• Arrive a little early: Give children time to get comfortable in the space and meet the facilitators before the workshop begins.
• Wear comfortable clothes: Although it is a paper-based activity, it is still a hands-on art workshop, so casual clothing is best.
• Encourage creativity: Let children experiment freely with folds, cuts and ideas – the workshop is designed to embrace mistakes and surprises.
• Combine with a stroll in Loulé: After the session, take a walk through the town centre or enjoy a relaxed lunch to round off a cultural morning in the Algarve.