The rest of Europe may be settling back for a quiet few weeks to help get over the Christmas excesses but the Algarve region of Portugal is still busy at this time of year. The southern coast of Portugal is a long strip of beaches, holidays resorts and golf courses that attract visitors all year round and especially during January and February when its mild weather can provide a welcome break from the harsher winter days of the UK.

Two traditional New Year events start on January 1st each year, the first being a Medieval Pageant hosted by the village of Paderne, near Albufeira. This three day festival sees re-enactments of traditional 14th Century customs with tournaments, musical performances as well as medieval markets and exhibitions. Costumes help the spectators imagine what life would have been like for the lords and knights of the time. The festival concludes with a historic procession through the streets of the village.

Further along the coast in Portimao, New Years Day sees the start of a four day Comedy Festival featuring stand-up acts as well as comedy drama performances. The Solrir comedy festival was hosted for the fourth time this year and welcomed local and international artists. Many however were Portuguese artists and performed in their own language so bear that in mind if you are interested in attending this festival in the future.

Later in the month food fans had the chance to visit a traditional festival in the town of Querenca near Loule when the good old sausage is centre stage. On the 24th of January at 3pm the annual Querenca Sausage Festival was held in the town square and featured a procession as well as plenty of opportunities to taste different varieties of local sausage.