Visit Tavira

The flora, comprising a variety of species, scrubland and marshes needs to be protected. The dunes are at risk from rising sea levels. There is dense vegetation in both the flooded and dry marshes, providing nutrients for the subsistence of species as well as adequate nesting conditions. If the marshland is harmed, many species may be condemned to extinction, especially migratory birds with no other alternative routes.

The scrubland is rich in plant life, with trees such as the maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) and the umbrella pine (Pinus pinea); the gum rockrose (Cistus ladanifer), and the tojo molar (Genista triacanthos), amongst others. The aromatic and medicinal plants such as French lavender and thyme colour and perfume their natural surroundings. Residents and visitors alike must take responsibility for protecting and preserving the Algarve.

Important Recommendations

• Never drop litter on the ground. If you go to the countryside or beach, take bag(s) for your rubbish and throw it in the appropriate bin later.
• Follow the trails in order not to damage the dune vegetation.
• Water is essential for animal life. Avoid polluting water with rubbish or detergents.
• Abandoned glass bottles can provoke fires when the sun’s rays hit them. Never dump bottles in the countryside or by the roadside.
• Never throw rubbish out of the windows of any form of transport, or leave it lying beside the bins.
• When shopping, choose products that have recyclable packaging.
• Give preference to green products. The European Eco-label ecologic label is a guarantee that the product causes little environmental impact during its life cycle.

Recent research carried out in Tavira’s Municipal Historic Archives brought to light new data on the history of the city. A document found in the archives reveals that another bandstand arrived in Tavira, prior to the current bandstand which can be seen in the centre of Tavira public Garden.

The bandstand that can be see today inside Tavira Garden, which has been the object of extensive studies and which is widely known, was part of the municipal executive’s plan for the construction of a public promenade along the right bank of the Gilão river, together with the purchase and setting up of a public lavatory, benches, street lamps and the respective columns. We further know, as far as the bandstand in the Picture is concerned, that it was commissioned to the Ouro Foundry and that it was transported by ship from the ironworks in Porto to Olhão, where it arrived at the beginning of 1890.

Years earlier, more specifically in the winter of 1882, the 4th Gunner Battalion, a military contingency force that comprised a musical formation, formally thanked the municipality, at the time headed by José Dionel da Franca Matos, for the financial contribution they had provided for the construction of a bandstand on the Constituição Square (Praça da Constituição). The contribution, amounting to twelve thousand réis, proved to be unnecessary for the execution of the work as, according to Manuel Cipriano Ribeiro, Commander of the 4th Gunners’ Battalion, the amount due had been obtained, in the meantime, through the support of private sponsors. The amount in excess was returned to the Municipality which, given the unexpected contribution, invested this amount in the setting up of street lamps. No other particulars regarding the artistic nature or physical structure have been found, as we only had access to the above mentioned document after the conclusion of the building of this recreational and cultural equipment in November 1882 on the Constitution Sq., today the República Sq. (Praça da República), although this does not mean that it was located on this square which is Tavira main square, as the designation of the toponymy was extensive to the former public promenade. The research has not been concluded, but we are led to believe, from recently gathered documentation, that the musical shows performed in Tavira in the 19th century, took place on more than one bandstand.

If you are visiting Tavira around the 24 of June, besides the usual festivities, a bit all over the council, Tavira will once again be the stage for the popular marches, on the 23, at 21h30, on the República Sq., and on the 27, at 21h30, in the Dr. Eduardo Mansinho Municipal Pavilion.

THE OFFICIAL CELEBRATIONS WILL ALSO INCLUDE:

• Flying of flags at the Town Hall
• Awarding of Medals of Honour to personalities and well as medals of Good Services and Devotion to members of the municipal staff who have served the municipality for 20 and 30 years, at the Álvaro de Campos Municipal Library

INAUGURATIONS:

• Cabanas Parish Centre
• João de Deus Nursery School
• Calçada de Sta. Maria Parking Place
• Remodeling of the Meio Road
• Santo Estêvão Multi-sports Pavilion

Popular Saints festivities are long tradition events in Portugal, not only in Lisbon or Porto, but also in many Portuguese cities. The music, the “jumping over the fire”, the sardines, the dancing and the folk music gives a colorful and special meaning to the warm nights of June.