The celebration dates back generations and is linked to the belief that bathing in the sea on the night of 29 August was worth 29 ordinary baths and could keep demons away.

In the past, families travelled from inland villages to the coast with food, donkeys and carts, spending the day together before entering the sea. The tradition continues today, with residents and visitors gathering on the beach for the symbolic midnight swim.

This year, separate programmes will take place in Lagos and Praia da Luz, with free entry to both celebrations.

In Lagos, the day begins at 11am with a historical recreation along Avenida dos Descobrimentos and Praia da Batata.

Entertainment at Cais da Solaria starts at 6pm with Duck Rise, followed by a capoeira demonstration and a performance by the popular march of CCDTCM Lagos. The Algarve Jazz Orchestra will also perform at the Jardim da Constituição.

The programme also includes two swimwear competitions at the Jardim da Constituição. Traditional costumes will be presented at 8:30 pm, followed by more creative and modern designs at 9:30pm.

Tanya & Banda will take to the stage at 10:30pm, before fireworks and the traditional sea swim at midnight. The celebrations will then continue with a performance by Cláudio Rosário.

Praia da Luz will host two stages with music running into the early hours. The programme includes DJ Fire, Samba Zona Sul, a tribute to Portuguese rock band Xutos & Pontapés, Humberto Silva & Banda, 5Ex Band and DJs Aisha, Ari Girão and Diego Miranda.

Free transport will be available to make it easier to attend the Praia da Luz celebrations. Lagos Council has confirmed that the A ONDA urban bus network will be free from 6pm, while an additional bus will run between Lagos and Praia da Luz from midnight until 2am.

The Festa do Banho 29 is celebrated in several parts of the Algarve, including Aljezur, where the traditional swim takes place at Praia de Monte Clérigo as part of the municipality’s annual holiday celebrations.

Full details of the Lagos and Praia da Luz programmes are available from Lagos Council.