Encontro de Charolas em Bordeira: Traditional New Year Songs Near Faro, Algarve

The Encontro de Charolas in Bordeira, near Faro in the central Algarve, is a lively New Year gathering where traditional singing groups celebrate more than a century of local culture, ideal for culture lovers, expats and curious visitors.

What is the Encontro de Charolas em Bordeira?

The Encontro de Charolas em Bordeira is a traditional New Year event that brings together Charolas, local singing groups that perform seasonal songs to welcome the year. It is a long-standing cultural expression in this part of the Algarve, with the current celebration marking around 100 years of history.

For 2025, the event takes place at the recently inaugurated CCIB – Centro Cultural e de Inovação de Bordeira. Moving into this modern cultural centre symbolically connects the past and the future, giving the tradition a new home while keeping its community roots strong.

The gathering features the five Charolas from Bordeira itself, joined by six invited groups, creating a full afternoon of music, rhythm and local pride.

Why visitors and expats will enjoy this event

For tourists, digital nomads and foreign residents in the Algarve, the Encontro de Charolas offers a rare chance to see an authentic local tradition that is usually more familiar to residents than visitors.

You can expect:

• A genuine community atmosphere, with locals of all ages coming together.
• Traditional New Year songs that give a flavour of Algarve culture beyond the beaches.
• A relaxed, friendly environment where visitors are welcome to watch, listen and soak up the mood.
• The opportunity to experience a typical Baile de Reis (Kings’ Ball) with live music from duo Emanuel and Tânia.

It is a particularly good option if you are spending the festive season or early January in the Algarve and are looking for things to do near Faro that connect you with local life.

What to expect

The Encontro de Charolas runs over two afternoons, on 1 and 6 January, starting from 15:00. The focus is on the performances by the Charolas groups, each bringing their own style and energy to the traditional repertoire.

Across the two days you can expect:

• Performances by the five Charolas from Bordeira.
• Additional performances from six invited Charolas groups.
• A festive, celebratory mood as the community marks the start of a new year.
• The traditional Baile de Reis, closing the event with dancing and music from duo Emanuel and Tânia.

The event is described as having special significance this year, as it celebrates the continuity of a tradition with “100 years of history” in a brand-new cultural space that honours local artists and the community.

Practical information

Dates and opening times

The Encontro de Charolas em Bordeira takes place on:

• 1 January 2025 – from 15:00
• 6 January 2025 – from 15:00

The event is held in the afternoon on both days. If you plan to attend, it is sensible to arrive a little before the start time to find a comfortable spot and settle in..

How to get there

Bordeira is a village in the municipality of Faro, in the central Algarve. It sits inland from the coast, within easy reach of Faro city and other central Algarve towns by car.

To reach the Encontro de Charolas:

• From Faro: Bordeira is a short drive inland from the city, making it an easy half-day or evening trip if you are staying in or around Faro.
• From other Algarve resorts: If you are based in popular coastal areas in the central Algarve, allow extra time to drive inland and follow local signs towards Bordeira and the CCIB – Centro Cultural e de Inovação de Bordeira.

Parking and exact transport options are not specified, so it is best to plan to arrive by car or arrange a taxi or transfer if you do not have your own vehicle.

Tips for making the most of your visit

To enjoy the Encontro de Charolas em Bordeira to the fullest, consider the following suggestions:

• Arrive a little early: Give yourself time to find the venue, get your bearings and settle in before the performances begin.
• Dress for a January afternoon: Even in the Algarve, early January can be cool, especially later in the day, so bring a warm layer.
• Embrace the local atmosphere: This is very much a community event. Take time to listen, observe and enjoy how locals celebrate the New Year.
• Combine with a visit to Faro: If you are staying elsewhere in the Algarve, you can easily combine the event with sightseeing or a meal in Faro before or after.
• Be respectful when taking photos or videos: Always be mindful of performers and other attendees, especially at a traditional cultural gathering.

For anyone looking for authentic cultural things to do in the Algarve in early January, the Encontro de Charolas em Bordeira offers a warm, musical and very local way to start the year.