   Founded in the early 1930s, the Grupo Folclórico de Faro is the oldest folk dance group in the Algarve and one of the oldest in Portugal. Faro, the capital of the Algarve, is a beautiful, sunny region in southern Portugal, renowned worldwide for its pleasant climate, beaches framed by sea-carved cliffs, and vast stretches of golden sand.
   At the time of the group’s founding, the “Corridinho” (meaning “little-step-running”) was already the most characteristic expression of Algarve’s folk dances, while oral traditions were represented in the round dances.
   Grupo Folclórico de Faro inspired many newly emerging groups throughout the Algarve, most of which were created in its image. In this way, it can be considered a true folklore school.
   The group’s activities include ethnographic research and exhibitions, the reproduction of costumes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, participation in conferences and seminars, cooperation with students and journalists, and teaching regional dances in local schools.
   The traditional music and songs of the Algarve are presented by the group through the “Cancioneiro.” Younger generations have the opportunity to learn traditional dances in the Faro Folkdance Children’s Group. Since 2014, the group has also operated its own accordion school.
   Grupo Folclórico de Faro organizes several folk dance and music events, most notably FOLKFARO – International Folklore City of Faro, the largest folk dance festival in southern Portugal and the only one recognized by CIOFF® in the region.
   As an ambassador of the region and the country, the group has already made more than twenty international tours. Most invitations come from CIOFF®-recognized festivals, and the group has represented Portugal in countries such as Spain, France, Morocco, Canada, USA, Italy, Brazil, Turkey, Switzerland, Mexico, Hungary, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Russia, Slovenia, Belgium, Poland, Argentina, Uruguay, and Croatia.
   The group is a member of the Portuguese Folklore Federation, a founder of the Algarvian Folklore and Ethnography Association, and a member of CIOFF® Portugal Association. Among many distinctions, the group was awarded the City Gold Medal of Faro in 2002. In 2021, the city paid tribute to the group by inaugurating the sculpture “O Corridinho” at one of Faro’s new roundabouts. Recently, the group published the book “Corridinho de MemĂłrias – Faro Folklore Group – More than 90 Years Dancing!”
   The Faro Folklore Group is regarded as a true institution in the capital of the Algarve!
   President of the Group: Maria Franco
   Artistic Director: Amabelio Pereira
   Dancers Leader: Rui Metrogos
