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Unusual Atlantic weather patterns for this time of year may still be rolling into southern Spain and Portugal, but for one traditional event on the Algarve, the inclement weather actually seems rather fitting.

On the 28th February the town of Albufeira hosted its annual Soup Festival. The event took place in the town's Espaco Multiusos and was the sixth running of a festival which is proving very popular. As well as being able to try out all kinds of different soups, the visitors were also raising worthwhile funds for local causes. Ingredients for the various soups on offer included local vegetables as well as locally sourced fish and meat. Another food related event on the Algarve is coming up shortly when the town of Monchique hosts its annual Sausage Fair.

For sports fans the unpredictable weather was having an impact, although it was more likely to affect the sport of tennis than it was football. In Portimao some 150 of Europe's best lady tennis players competed in the Portimao Tivoli Ladies Open 2010 between the 20th and 28th February. It was interesting that this World Ranking event of both singles and double competitions offered free entry for spectators. Three Portuguese ladies competed in the first round, but sadly all were beaten. The final was fought out between Italian Claudia Giovine and Dutch player Kiki Bertens.

Women's football also saw a major international tournament being hosted on the Algarve between 24th February and 3rd March. Teams from 12 countries were taking part, initially playing round robin games in 3 groups. The teams included European Champions Germany as well as China, Norway, Sweden and the USA. The various games were taking place at venues in Lagos, Olhao, Bellavista, Albufeira and the Estadio Algarve in Faro.

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