Does anyone know why there are barriers in the square, they appear to run round the front of the hotel as well. Mike

It is the name day of the Church in carvoeiro ( always the last week end in August) and the festival of the Blessing of the Sea takes place late Sunday afternoon. Usually followed by music in the square.
Normally there are market stalls set up along the street and traffic in diverted around Monte Dorado.

Thanks jaylay, perfect answer. Will pass on to our guests.

......... and fireworks Sunday night!

Hope the wind isn't blowing inland - we had a stray firework the other month and the grass was smoking

No stalls up the main road this year, only the square will be turned into a mini fairground for the festivities.

No stalls up the hill? This will surely impact heavily on the share values of the major designer companies such as Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Gucci etc who have previously seen fit to license goods to these outlets.