Women's Activities in the Algarve
Since 1911, International Women's Day has been noticed. Initially, only four European countries recognized it, but the United Nations Organization established 8 March as an official day in 1975. The purpose of this date is not only to celebrate the rights already won by women but also to remind us that we still have a long way to go towards gender equality. Equal pay, greater representation in leadership positions, access to education, and the right to vote are all being debated. We are on the right track, and we should celebrate what we have accomplished thus far while never forgetting that 8 March should be celebrated until full equality is achieved in all countries.
Today we suggest some activities for women that you can do during your holiday in Estrela da Luz.
1. The route of Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen in Lagos
Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen was a Portuguese poet who fell in love with the city of Lagos. She left her imprint on the city, and her poems are inspired by the landscapes and locations of Lagos. The poet spent summers with her family in a house a few metres from Meia Praia and was inspired to write some of her works there, such as "O Caminho da Manhã". A poem that began as a series of instructions to her maid on how to get from D. Ana beach to the municipal market.
We recommend you visit some of the Portuguese poet's favourite places. Start the day at D. Ana beach, as Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen recommends to her maid in the poem. Look at the yellow limestone cliffs that lead to the famous Ponta da Piedade. Then follow the footpath to the Lagos City Market, where you can buy fresh fish, lush vegetables and juicy fruit. Before you leave the market, walk halfway up the stairs and look up. The passage from the poem "The Morning Path" that refers to this market is written on a white wall. Follow the coordinates of the poem and take the opportunity to get lost in the streets of the historic centre of Lagos, with its tiled houses and black and white cobblestones. Also, visit two urban artworks, the latest tributes to the poet, on the façades of two buildings, the first next to the Santo Amaro market and the second on the façade of a school named after the poet.
Finally, discover Meia Praia, where the writer and her family spent their summers in a house just a few metres from the beach. On this beach, you can enjoy the tranquillity of the afternoons while having a drink in one of the bars or restaurants by the sea.
2. Events made by women
Acting, singing, or the visual arts used to be fields reserved for men only. This may have changed, but not in all countries. In some Middle Eastern countries, for example, women are not allowed on stage and must be accompanied by a male if they want to attend a performance.
Use the next few days to visit women-friendly events near your holiday destination.
- Agustina and Amália, two women - 8 March, 9 pm
Watch a conversation about Agustina Bessa-Luís and Amália Rodrigues, two undisputed figures of literary and musical panorama in Portugal. Biographers Isabel Rio Novo and Miguel Carvalho, moderated by Rita Ferro, will talk about these two artists and present their mentalities and personalities this Women's Day at the Lagos Public Library.
- Luísa Sobral Concert - DanSando - 10 March, 9.30 pm.
Luísa Sobral is already part of the Portuguese musical reality, contributing as a performer and composer, a talent she used when writing the song "Amar Pelos Dois", interpreted by her brother Salvador Sobral, which was the winner of Eurovision 2017. She will be launching her new album DanSando at the Lagos Cultural Centre on 10 March. The album has eleven songs of Pop Solar that grab our daily lives with the sweetness of her voice.
- Theatre and Dance - Mulher Reflexo - 18 March, 6.30 pm.
The artistic construction and deconstruction of several women are the basis of this show, which takes place at the Centro Cultural de Lagos. An actress, an artist, a dancer, a musician, a composer, and young high school woman share their doubts, emotions and perspectives in a presentation that focuses on music and theatre.
3. Women's gastronomy
Continue your Women's Day with a dinner served only by women. Near your flat, in Estrela da Luz, you will find the Chiccas restaurant with homemade and tasty dishes that have influences from all over the world. The chef is Francesca Rimonti, who has lived in several countries and settled in Praia da Luz a few years ago to allow us to try her home cooking and delicious desserts made with organic and local products.
The second Women's Day dinner proposal is located in the centre of Lagos and is part of a multidisciplinary space - Mar d'Estórias. Chef Megan Melling's bistro on the top floor serves a variety of dishes made with local and organic ingredients. Everything on the menu is made in Portugal, including vegan options.
Celebrate Women's Day by observing or trying what other women do. This day is not just for women but to give us an insight into what women have achieved to date. Make the most of your holiday and do women's activities in the Algarve.