Few expected such a flood and success in the 41st edition of the Faro Concentration, but that’s what happened. Despite the cool nights, everything else was very hot and lively, because after all, what really mattered was living the bikes and reuniting with old friends. As always!
The success of the Faro Concentration has been the concentration itself. Its location, the way everything remains year after year with just a few subtle changes, the weather, the affordable price considering everything that each registered person is entitled to, but above all, the atmosphere that everyone creates within the grounds, and that is the most important thing.
THIS YEAR’S EVENT
One of the new features last July was the existence of rechargeable bracelets for each registered person, so it was no longer necessary for everyone to carry money in their pockets. An important modernization in an event that has always been marked by some conservatism when it comes to innovations. As for this year’s program, many enjoyed the great tribute bands that passed through Vale das Almas, especially those that paid homage to Queen and also Linkin Park. For many, the quality presented by these bands was a surprise, not forgetting the famous names that graced the main stage, such as Entre Aspas, Cuca Roseta, Guano Apes, or Expensive Soul. The breaks were heated up with the traditional dance shows, and on the Oasis stage, the atmosphere was always similar to what we have known for many previous years: filled with cheerful people who just want to have fun.
The Bike Show was at a good level and with many new preparers, and the street animation entertained thousands of people during the late afternoons, in calmer moments that appealed to rest before exciting nights. Reference also to the excellent presence of the Indian brand, once again, with a good stand full of great machines, besides being the brand that drew an FTR on the last day among all the registered participants. Speaking of registered participants, unfortunately this year not everyone who wanted to participate in the gathering could enter, as early on the Moto Clube announced that they had reached the maximum capacity of people on the premises. A difficult decision but one that had to be made because the venue does not grow (in recent years it even had to be reduced), and for safety reasons it was not possible to receive more participants properly. And those who were there realized how crowded the venue was!
We do not know what the future of the gathering will be like, if it will maintain the same format or if it will have to undergo a remodeling, but from our side we can only thank the Moto Clube de Faro for everything they have done for Motorcycling, for the Algarve and for Portugal over the years. And with a special thanks to one of the main responsible for everything over these 41 editions, naturally Braza. Bring on Faro 2024!
THE FARO GATHERING IS UNIQUE…
I am passionate about motorcycles, and since I work in the sector I have not missed a gathering, that is, since approximately 1996/1997. Throughout all these years, there were some better and some worse, but always at the level of stupendous or phenomenal and with new features every year.
Only an impeccable and detailed organization can carry the success of an event of this magnitude over the years, turning it into the biggest tourist event in the Algarve, yet not recognized by official entities except for the Faro City Council and its president, Dr. Rogério Bacalhau, a motorcyclist and fervent believer in the added value that this mega event brings to his municipality.
Increasingly, I am led to consider that entities such as Algarve tourism, ASAE, ICNF, and other entities are instructed to try to hinder the organization of this event in Vale das Almas, given that it is probably one of the most desirable locations for the construction of resorts, real estate exploitation, and the like, and not for what they so often proclaim in terms of environmental impact, since there is a type of plant that only “survives” in this location and we must preserve it. On the day that the Faro rally does not take place in Vale das Almas, there will certainly be a fire that will eliminate these “little plants,” only for the following year to be full of cement facades.
Therefore, I emphasize that the Faro rally must continue in Vale das Almas, given that if there is any entity that has protected and cared for the environmental aspect, it is the Moto Clube de Faro, in addition to the social work it carries out throughout the year.
To all motorcyclists, residents of Faro, and individuals of good sense and principles, we must protest in a civic manner and help this great institution that is the Moto Clube de Faro, in reinforcing the message that this location is a motorcycle landmark not only at a national but also international level, and that we do not wish the rally to take place in any parking lot, vacant lot, Algarve stadium, etc…
