## Noite do Mercado 2024 Officially Opens  
The **Noite do Mercado 2024** is now officially open! The symbolic ceremony took place at precisely **7 PM** at the beginning of **Rua Dr. Fernão de Ornelas**, near the junction with **Rua do Carmo**.  

Accompanied by fellow council members, the **President of the Funchal City Council, Cristina Pedra**, had the honor of cutting the ribbon. The vibrant **'red procession'** now flows down the street towards the **Mercado dos Lavradores**.  

![Noite do Mercado 2024](https://static-storage.dnoticias.pt/www-assets.dnoticias.pt/images/configuration/LG/WhatsApp_Image_2024-12-23_at_19.07.00.JPEG)  

Join the festivities and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this year's market night!  

![Gallery](https://static-storage.dnoticias.pt/www-assets.dnoticias.pt/images/configuration/OR/WhatsApp_Image_2024-12-23_at_19.06.59.JPEG)  

**Explore the gallery** for more highlights from the event!

Cristina Pedra cortou a fita na Rua Dr. Fernão de Ornelas

Experience the Magic: Noite do Mercado 2024 Officially Kicks Off in Funchal!

With the end of the year approaching, it's time for our usual **retrospectives**. This article is dedicated to the **best photos of the year** shared by our followers on Instagram, highlighting the **top 7 images** that received the most **likes**. From the **charming streets** and **typical houses** of Lisbon to the serene views of the **Tejo River**, these scenes inspire countless photographers capturing the city for posterity.

![Tejo River](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26182457/foto-rio-tejo-shutterstock-1024x683.jpg)
*Photo: Andrey Yurlov / Shutterstock.com*

We want to take this opportunity to thank every photographer who tags **Lisboa Secreta** in their posts or uses our **hashtags** #minhalisboasecreta and #lisboasecreta. We look forward to seeing more stunning captures in 2025!

## 1 – Costa do Castelo | [@juliopereiramusic](https://www.instagram.com/juliopereiramusic/) 10,821 💛
This area is one of the most characteristic in Lisbon, connecting the **Baixa** to the **Castle**, making it a special spot for photos.

![Costa do Castelo](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26192212/costa-do-castelo--821x1024.jpg)
*Photo: @juliopereiramusic*

## 2 – Flowers Everywhere | [@juliopereiramusic](https://www.instagram.com/juliopereiramusic/) 8,959 💛
Lisbon is beautiful all year round, but during **spring**, it gains even more charm with the various **colors and flowers** enlivening the city.

![Flowers in Lisbon](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26192920/foto-2-lugar-lisboa-821x1024.jpg)
*Photo: @juliopereiramusic*

## 3 – The Beauty of the Sunset | [@mr.goldenhour_](https://www.instagram.com/mr.goldenhour_/ ) 8,616 💛
At sunset, especially by the **Tejo**, the city becomes the **perfect backdrop** for stunning photos.

![Sunset](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26193328/mr-golden-hour-3-lugar-melhores-fotos-do-ano-LS-819x1024.jpg)
*Photo: @mr.goldenhour_*

## 4 – The Full Moon | [@b2graphy](https://www.instagram.com/b2graphy/) 8,193 💛
This year was filled with **astronomical phenomena**, and the full moon always looks amazing in photos, especially when shining over Lisbon.

![Full Moon](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26193727/lua-cheia-foto--821x1024.jpg)
*Photo: @b2graphy*

## 5 – The Beauty of the Sunset | [@olhar_sobre_a_lente](https://www.instagram.com/olhar_sobre_a_lente/) 7,486 💛
**Christmas** is one of the most magical times of the year, and with the city filled with **lights and decorations**, it’s a fantastic opportunity for photography.

![Christmas in Lisbon](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26194351/foto-de-natal--818x1024.jpg)
*Photo: @olhar_sobre_a_lente*

## 6 – MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) | [@costajosemanuel](https://www.instagram.com/costajosemanuel/) 6,952 💛
MAAT is one of the most interesting places to visit in Lisbon and is also a very **photogenic building**.

![MAAT](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26194659/maat-819x1024.jpg)
*Photo: @costajosemanuel*

## 7 – Christmas Lights | [@luismbcarvalho](https://www.instagram.com/luismbcarvalho/) 5,990 💛
The **Christmas lights** attract many, and the best part is that you can still visit the **festive decorations** in the city until January!

![Christmas Lights](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26194758/luzes-de-natal-819x1024.jpg)
*Photo: @luismbcarvalho*

Estas são as melhores fotos do ano para os seguidores da Lisboa Secreta, ou seja as que obtiveram o maior número de gostos no Instagram.

Discover the Most Liked Photos of 2024 in Lisbon: A Visual Journey

Lisbon is blessed with new restaurants almost every week or month, and 2024 was no exception. We've explored some incredible dining spots that deserve a second visit in 2025!

**The New Gems of Lisbon's Culinary Scene**  
The latest additions to Lisbon's gastronomic landscape are true pearls you must try. If you're not already in the know, this list highlights the **best restaurants of 2024**, as experienced by us.

**Dining Out in Lisbon**  
Lisboetas love to dine out! Think about it: when was the last time you strolled through the city and ended up in a restaurant?

In 2024, we visited some of the best restaurants Lisbon has to offer, focusing on those that opened this year or those we finally had the chance to experience.

**Lisbon: The Best Culinary Destination in Europe**  
If you missed any, now's your chance to visit because Lisbon has been recognized as [the best culinary destination in Europe](https://lisboasecreta.co/melhor-destino-culinario-da-europa/).

![Dish from Santa Restaurant](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/22114130/prato-Aqui-o-Papa-e-Tuga-no-restaurante-santa-em-lisboa-%40vleandro-_20-1024x576.jpeg)  
*Dish from Santa Restaurant. | Photo by @vleandro*

### Eliseu dos Leitões  
Not our first visit to **Eliseu dos Leitões**, where you can savor the **best leitoes in Lisbon** at a new location on Avenida da Liberdade. The original spot has been renovated and is also worth a visit.

- **Address:** Rua Duque de Palmela 20 (entry via Avenida da Liberdade, Hotel Turim); Rua Álvaro Benamor 2, 2B (Carnide near Centro Comercial Colombo)  
- **Hours:** Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 PM to 3 PM and 7 PM to 10:30 PM  
- **Our Experience:** [This menu](https://lisboasecreta.co/eliseu-dos-leitoes-avenida/) is simply delicious.

### Lovely Castelo  
A new entry within the walls of **Castelo de São Jorge**, it offers a fantastic view over Lisbon, making it a must-visit.

- **Address:** Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo (inside the castle walls)  
- **Hours:** Daily from 9:30 AM to 6 PM (winter); 9:30 AM to 9 PM (summer)  
- **Our Experience:** We enjoyed [this](https://lisboasecreta.co/restaurante-rooftop-lovely-castelo/) delightful culinary experience.

### ÀCosta by Olivier  
We can't wait to share our experience at **chef Olivier’s** newest space, which was phenomenal!

- **Address:** Avenida Infante Dom Henrique A (Doca da Marinha)  
- **Hours:** Monday to Thursday and Sunday, from 12:30 PM to 3 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM; Friday and Saturday until 11:30 PM  
- **Menu Suggestion:** We sampled some of the [Executive Menu dishes](https://www.acostabyolivier.pt/acosta_by_olivier_lisboa_menu_executivo.pdf).

![Baked Cod at ÀCosta by Olivier](https://offloadmedia.feverup.com/lisboasecreta.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/26145556/bacalhau-assado-no-restaurante-ACosta-by-Olivier.jpeg)  
*Baked Cod at ÀCosta by Olivier. | Photo by @vleandro*

### Fama d’Alfama  
This **Fado house** in Alfama surprised us with its quality cuisine and talented artists.

- **Address:** Rua do Terreiro do Trigo 80 (Alfama, near Santa Apolónia station)  
- **Hours:** Daily  
- **Menu Suggestion:** We tried some delicious [tapas](https://famadalfama.pt/ementa-restaurante-portugues-fado-lisboa/).

### More Recommendations  
We also explored other notable restaurants like **Real Pérola by Olivier**, **Taberna Meia Porta**, **Ilha da Madeira**, and many more, each offering unique culinary experiences and delightful dishes.

Lisbon's restaurant scene is vibrant and diverse, making it a culinary hotspot you won't want to miss in 2025!

Nós fomos a alguns, que podes encontrar nesta lista com os melhores restaurantes de 2024, que merecem uma segunda visita em 2025!

Discover the Top Must-Visit Restaurants in Lisbon for 2025: A Culinary Journey

### Social Media Claims
Recent social media posts claim that **almost 50% of Lisbon's population in 2021 were not Portuguese**. These assertions, originating from a Facebook post dated November 27, have garnered significant attention with numerous likes and shares. The post cites the **Annual Report of the Aliens and Borders Service (SEF)** as its source.

![Lisbon](https://bordalo.observador.pt/v2/q:60/rs:fill:560/plain/https://s3.observador.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26162638/captura-de-ecra-2024-12-26-as-162624.jpg)

### Analyzing the SEF Report
According to the **SEF's 2021 Annual Report**, there were **294,736 foreigners** residing in the Lisbon district. Meanwhile, data from the **National Institute of Statistics (INE)** indicated that the total population of the district was **2,287,869**. From these figures, it can be calculated that **foreigners comprised only 12.88% of the population**—far from the claimed 50%.

### Breakdown of Foreign Residents in Lisbon
When focusing specifically on the **Lisbon municipality**, the SEF report shows there were **108,894 foreigners**. The **2021 Census** recorded **544,851 residents** in the municipality, leading to a percentage of **19.99%** of foreigners—again, significantly lower than the 50% claim.

### Conclusion
The assertion that **“around 50% of Lisbon's inhabitants in 2021 were not Portuguese”** is **false**. Official data from institutions like the **INE** and **SEF** confirm that the actual numbers of foreign residents do not exceed 20%. This misinformation has been classified as **incorrect** by the **Observador** fact-checking system, and it aligns with Facebook's classification of this content as **false**.  

### Note
This content was selected by **Observador** as part of a fact-checking partnership with Facebook.

Publicações nas redes sociais alegam que em 2021 quase metade da população de Lisboa não era portuguesa, citando um relatório do SEF como fonte. Mas será verdade? 


Debunking the Myth: Are Nearly Half of Lisbon's Residents Foreigners?

**The Algarve**, once a cradle of **Portuguese cultural giants**, has transformed into a premier **tourist destination**, often at the expense of its rich traditions. As new **shopping centers** have emerged, locals increasingly favor these over cultural offerings from various **theater groups**, **museums**, and **libraries**. 

Intellectuals in the region express concern over the cultural stagnation, describing it as **'dead and cold'**. During a recent ceremony honoring Lídia Jorge with an **Honoris Causa** doctorate, Carlos Albino lamented the cultural regression in the Algarve compared to Aveiro, where the **local newspaper** celebrated its university's anniversary. 

Vítor Cardeira, an anthropologist, remarked, **“The intellectual Algarve is dead.”** However, despite these claims, there remains a vibrant intellectual community engaged in various cultural and literary activities, with notable figures like **Lídia Jorge**, **Nuno Júdice**, and **Fernando Cabrita** still contributing to the region's cultural landscape. 

As Lídia Jorge pointed out, pursuing **utopias** is essential to avoid societal indifference. The Algarve must strive to showcase its cultural offerings and establish itself as a **cultural destination**. 

The region struggles with maintaining regional newspapers, unlike northern Portugal, which boasts a robust local press. This disparity highlights a **disengaged cultural community** in the Algarve, where companies do not prioritize a **strong media presence** to advocate for regional issues. 

Historically, the Algarve has had a rich journalistic tradition but has lost over **forty publications**. Despite the rise of social media critics, new columnists are emerging who believe their messages can reach a broader audience through traditional media. 

There is a wealth of talent in the Algarve, ready to engage in meaningful discourse. Encouraging these voices to step out of their comfort zones and share their insights is crucial. The **JORNAL do ALGARVE** remains committed to amplifying these voices and fostering a vibrant cultural dialogue. 

Congratulations to Lídia Jorge on her well-deserved recognition; more accolades will follow!

O mesmo Algarve que deu à estampa grandes vultos da cultura portuguesa, transformou-se numa região turística, por excelência

Reviving Algarve's Cultural Identity: A Call to Action

## New Openings in Lisbon

The **Burger King®** has just opened two new restaurants in **Lisbon**, located at **Avenida Almirante Reis 86** and **Largo das Fontaínhas 7** in Alcântara. This expansion marks **23 years** of operation in the Portuguese market, with a total of **45 restaurants** in the Lisbon district and **19** in the capital, where the first outlet was launched back in **2001** at **Centro Comercial Colombo**.

These new openings have created **60 new jobs**, bringing the total number of jobs created by the brand in the district to over **1,300**.

## Dining Experience

At either of the new locations, customers can enjoy the full **Burger King® menu**, featuring classics like the **Whopper®**, limited editions such as the **Brutal Bacon** (with options for meat, chicken, vegetarian, and gluten-free), along with snacks and irresistible desserts. Kids are not forgotten, with surprises waiting in the **King Jr.® Menu**, not to mention the iconic crowns that make Burger King® customers feel like royalty!

Both restaurants, each over **350m²**, offer amenities including a **drink refill system**, **pre-order kiosks**, and **free Wi-Fi**, along with **takeaway** and **home delivery** options. Designed with a focus on accessibility and comfort, the spaces encourage **family gatherings** and friendly meet-ups, embodied in the architecture, layout, and decor, creating inviting environments to enjoy the true flavor of flame-grilled meat.

The **Avenida Almirante Reis** location is open daily from **11:00 AM to 12:00 AM**, accommodating **162 people** (114 indoors and 48 on the terrace). Meanwhile, the **Alcântara** restaurant has a capacity of **110 seats** (12 in the lower room, 58 in the upper room, and 40 outside).

O Burger King® acaba de inaugurar dois novos restaurantes em Lisboa, nomeadamente na Avenida Almirante Reis 86 e no Largo das Fontaínhas 7, em Alcântara.  Presente há 23 anos no mercado português, o Burger King® já conta com 45 restaurantes no distrito de Lisboa e 19 na capital, onde abriu o seu primeiro restaurante em 2001, no Centro Comercial Colombo.  Estas duas aberturas na representam a criação de 60 postos de trabalho, aumentando para mais de 1300 o número de empregos já criados pela marca no distrito.

Burger King® Expands in Lisbon with Two New Restaurants!

## New Leadership Takes Charge at Algarve Tourism Association

The inauguration ceremony for the new governing bodies of the **Algarve Tourism Association (ATA)**, elected for the **2024-2027 term**, took place on **December 18** at the **Algarve Tourism Region auditorium** in **Faro**. The event gathered members, sector representatives, and regional entities, with the presence of **Pedro Machado**, the Secretary of State for Tourism.

During the event, speakers emphasized the **strategic importance** of the ATA in promoting the Algarve in international markets.

![Pedro Machado and André Gomes @Jorge Gomes](http://www.terraruiva.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/tomada-de-posse-ATA-2-site.jpg)

**André Gomes**, the newly elected president of the ATA, expressed his honor in taking on this role, stating: 
> *“It is with immense honor and responsibility that I assume the presidency of the ATA. During my previous term, we focused on establishing the Algarve as a destination that goes beyond sun and beach, promoting its cultural diversity, authenticity, gastronomy, and emerging tourism products. Sustainability, innovation, and institutional partnerships will continue to be the pillars of our strategy.”*

**Pedro Machado** further highlighted the ATA's role:  
> *“The Algarve Tourism Association is fundamental in promoting the Algarve as a tourist destination. Your adaptability, innovation, and diverse offerings make the Algarve a model to follow nationally and internationally.”*

The event also celebrated the achievements of the previous management, such as enhancing air connectivity, diversifying source markets, and positioning the Algarve as a destination for nature, sports, culture, and gastronomy.

![ATA Governing Bodies @Jorge Gomes](http://www.terraruiva.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Orgaos-Sociais-ATA-site.jpg)

The election of the new governing bodies on **December 3** received overwhelming support, with **103 votes in favor**, reflecting confidence in André Gomes's leadership and the continuation of prior efforts.

*Source: ATA*

A cerimónia de tomada de posse dos novos órgãos sociais da Associação Turismo do Algarve (ATA), eleitos para o triénio 2024-2027, decorreu no dia 18 de dezembro, no auditório da Região de Turismo do Algarve, em Faro. O evento, que reuniu associados, representantes do setor e entidades regionais, contou com a presença do secretário de …

Exciting Leadership Changes at Algarve Tourism Association: Meet the New Team!

### New Digital Hub for Lisbon’s Age-Friendly Initiative

The **“Lisbon, a City with Life for All Ages”** program has launched a new website aimed at providing continuous updates about activities and initiatives designed to enhance the lives of the city's elderly population. 

On this new platform, users can delve deeper into the program, read the latest news, stay informed about upcoming events, and learn more about the **Radar** and **KORALE** programs. 

This initiative represents a **strategic and integrated plan** to improve the quality of life and well-being of those aged 65 and older, transforming Lisbon into a space that promotes **active living, autonomy,** and full participation.

Explore the new website at [lxcti.scml.pt](https://lxcti.scml.pt). 

![Lisbon Age-Friendly Program](https://scml.pt/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/lxcti.jpg)

O Programa “Lisboa, cidade com vida para todas as idades” tem um novo website. Esta nova morada digital pretende continuar a informar sobre todas as atividades e iniciativas em torno da estratégia de melhorar a vida da população mais velha da cidade de Lisboa. No novo website pode saber mais sobre o programa em si, […]

Experience the Magic: Noite do Mercado 2024 Officially Kicks Off in Funchal!

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Noite do Mercado 2024 Officially Opens

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Other Latest News

Discover the Most Liked Photos of 2024 in Lisbon: A Visual Journey

Discover the Top Must-Visit Restaurants in Lisbon for 2025: A Culinary Journey

Debunking the Myth: Are Nearly Half of Lisbon's Residents Foreigners?

Reviving Algarve's Cultural Identity: A Call to Action

Burger King® Expands in Lisbon with Two New Restaurants!

Exciting Leadership Changes at Algarve Tourism Association: Meet the New Team!

Discover the New Website for Lisbon's Age-Friendly Program!

Other Latest News

Discover the Most Liked Photos of 2024 in Lisbon: A Visual Journey

Discover the Top Must-Visit Restaurants in Lisbon for 2025: A Culinary Journey

Debunking the Myth: Are Nearly Half of Lisbon's Residents Foreigners?

Reviving Algarve's Cultural Identity: A Call to Action

Burger King® Expands in Lisbon with Two New Restaurants!

Exciting Leadership Changes at Algarve Tourism Association: Meet the New Team!

Discover the New Website for Lisbon's Age-Friendly Program!