Algarve home to first ‘Slow Cities’ movement

The first national ‘Slow Cities’ movement is to be created in March in the Algarve, a pioneering region with regards to adhering to the network. ‘Slow Cities’ aims to preserve the traditions of localities that make up its network, as well as promoting a tranquil lifestyle and superior quality of life.

In the Algarve the cities of Tavira, São Brás de Alpotel, Silves and Lagos are to join the movement, which has a snail as its logo and was created in Italy in 1999.

It has since spread throughout Europe, being adopted by countries including Spain, the UK, France, and Norway, as well as other countries around the world.

‘Slow Cities’ support traditional values that incorporate not only heritage but also gastronomy. The gastronomic side of the movement is called ‘Slow Food’ and promotes the opposite of the ‘Fast Food’ concept.

Ana Albuquerque, who is responsible for introducing the ‘Slow Cities’ movement to Portugal, said “We are not in any way against evolution but we want to fight globalization in its worst sense as it leads to a uniform society and, subsequently, mediocrity”.

To become part of the network communities must have at least 50,000 inhabitants, though there can be exceptions, depending on the dimensions of the country in question.

The selection is based on historical components, environmental aspects and quality of life offered by the localities. Sanctions can be applied or the ‘Slow City’ title removed if a locality should cease to comply with these standards.

Even though the ‘Slow Cities’ emblem could attract more tourists, its main purpose is to guarantee a certain quality of life for residents.

After enlisting four Algarvean cities, Ana Albuquerque is now looking to expand the ‘Slow Cities’ concept throughout the rest of Portugal.