The 22nd edition of the international folklore festival began on 16 August and continues until 22 August, with performances and activities taking place across 12 locations in six Algarve municipalities.

This year's international groups come from Brazil, Northern Cyprus, Slovakia, France, Italy, Nicaragua and Kenya, while Portugal is represented by the Grupo Folclórico de Faro, which has organised the festival annually since 2003.

Travelling performances

The opening gala took place on Sunday evening at Teatro das Figuras in Faro, but there are still plenty of opportunities to see the participating groups throughout the week.

From 17 to 22 August, performances will take place every evening at 10pm on the stage at Passeio da Doca in Faro. From Monday to Friday, two groups are due to perform each night, while the closing event on Saturday will bring together all seven international groups alongside the Grupo Folclórico de Faro.

However, FolkFaro is not limited to the city of Faro. During the week, performers will travel across the municipalities of Faro, Loulé, Olhão, São Brás de Alportel, Tavira and Castro Marim, with shows planned in several towns and villages.

International certification

The programme also goes beyond the main performances. Dance workshops are being held at Escola EB 2,3 de Santo António from Monday to Thursday, giving participants the chance to learn traditional dances from some of the countries represented at the festival.

There will also be street parades in downtown Faro, activities for children and seniors and performances for people who may not be able to attend the main events. International groups are due to visit Refúgio Aboim Ascensão, while another activity for children will take place at Faro Municipal Library. A performance is also planned at Faro Prison.

One of the symbolic moments of the festival takes place at Jardim Manuel Bivar, where the flags of the participating countries are raised and a "Tree of Friendship" is planted.

The final day, Saturday 22 August, will also include an ecumenical celebration at Faro Cathedral before the festival comes to an end with all of the international groups performing together.

FolkFaro is the only festival in the Algarve with international certification from the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts (CIOFF), an organisation with formal consultative relations with UNESCO.