Lagos Banho 29, 2025
What a spectacular sight it was as thousands of people gathered to celebrate the cherished Banho 29 tradition this past August 29th in Lagos! This ancestral custom continues to thrive, bringing together locals and visitors alike for an unforgettable night of fun, music, and a truly unique midnight dip. It’s a wonderful testament to how our community keeps its history alive while embracing vibrant, modern festivities.
The celebrations were wonderfully split between two main locations: the heart of Lagos town and the picturesque Praia da Luz, ensuring everyone had a chance to partake in the magic.
Lagos Comes Alive!
The day in Lagos kicked off with an animated historical recreation presented by the Centro de Estudos de Lagos. Between the Avenida dos Descobrimentos and Praia da Batata, holidaymakers were transported back in time, witnessing how people from the countryside used to come to the beach, bringing their own food and enjoying this traditional bath said to “ward off demons”. It’s truly fascinating to see this piece of history come alive!
As evening descended, the Cais da Solaria and Jardim da Constituição became the epicentre of activity, absolutely buzzing with crowds. The air was filled with fantastic music, featuring performances from the Orquestra de Jazz do Algarve, DJ André Salgueiro, Rebeca, and MT 80 – We Rock the 80s. This lively event was a fantastic collaboration organised by CM Lagos, in partnership with ACRAL, Moto Clube de Lagos, and the Associação dos Artesãos do Barlavento, showcasing a brilliant example of community spirit.
A definite highlight was the two swimwear contests, dynamically hosted by Hugo Mendes. These contests offered two distinct perspectives on the same tradition: the ‘Tradição e Comunidade’ (Tradition and Community) category and the ‘Moda Inovação’ (Fashion and Innovation) category. Prizes were awarded to the most original and creative participants, all while honouring the rich history behind this special bath.
- ‘Tradição e Comunidade’ Winners:
- 1st place: Jorge Sequeira
- 2nd place: Berta Fadinho
- 3rd place: Corinne Ferreira
- ‘Moda e Inovação’ Winners:
- 1st place: Jessica António
- 2nd place: Natália Mestre
- 3rd place: Patrícia Fernandes
Vibrancy at Praia da Luz!
Meanwhile, over at Praia da Luz, the night was equally vibrant and extended well into the early hours. Organised by the Clube Recreativo Cultural e Desportivo Luzense with the support of CM Lagos, the celebrations featured three stages strategically placed between the sandy beach and the historic fortress, offering entertainment to suit all tastes. The atmosphere was absolutely electric, proving what a fantastic event it is for everyone!
The Timeless Midnight Dip!
Of course, no Banho 29 celebration would be complete without the main event: the traditional midnight swim. As the clock struck twelve, the bravest souls ventured into the refreshing waters of Praia da Batata and Praia da Luz, courageously perpetuating this beloved ancestral tradition that both Lacobrigenses and visitors cherish. It’s a truly unique and exhilarating way to connect with the past and celebrate the present.
The Banho 29 tradition truly embodies the spirit of Lagos, expertly blending historical significance with modern-day celebration. It’s a fantastic example of how our community comes together, welcoming all to enjoy a night filled with culture, music, and the sheer joy of collective festivity! We eagerly await next year’s celebrations!
