Between 15 and 17 February, Avenida José da Costa Mealha will open its doors to “around 80,000 visitors”, according to a press release from the local authority.

Quoted in the press release, the Mayor of Loulé, Telmo Pinto, says that Loulé has a contract signed “with Saint Peter and we are sure it won't rain. If it does rain, there will be no conditions for the parade to go ahead... But we don't want to think about that!”

In 2026, Loulé will parade with the theme of “Superheroes”, featuring “13 floats, 600 extras, entertainment groups representing the municipality’s associations and IPSS (Private Social Solidarity Institutions), samba schools, giants, jugglers and a DJ who will liven up the venue.”

Political, social and sporting satire, returning as the “inspiring muse” of the creative minds behind the decoration of the floats.” Several national and international political figures, “as well as figures from the sporting world, will be present on the various floats.” Paulo Madeira will coordinate the artistic work, from “placing flowers to making the puppets.”

The cost of tickets for the Loulé Carnival is €2, with 50% of the proceeds going to the collective entities that paraded in the Carnival, and the remaining 50% going to IPSS.

The Carnival gates will always open at 2:30 pm.