On a recent visit to Carvoeiro we noticed that the problem with grafitti seems to be getting worse. Is it tolerated in Portugal or is no action taken against the so called artists. It is such a shame to see buildings defaced in such a way.Surely someone must see them.I particularly noticed the one by the four star Montechoro Praia Hotel, what an eyesore. As we travelled around it seems that all over the Algarve the problem seems to be growing.

would agree with you on that bradybunch. We noticed it everytime we came here on holiday and thought the same as you, that no action seemed to be taken against the instigators as the same grafitti remained in place year after year. Since we moved here we've become a little oblivious to it now but it still bothers me from time to time. The english language newspapers here dont seem to report on it much and I dont know enough Portuguese to read Portuguese newspapers or watch Portuguese news channels to see if they report on it or not. A lot of the buildings defaced by grafitti seem to be neglected or are crumbling ruins but on the more noticeable ones like the Praia Hotel you would think that someone (i.e. hotel management or Junta da fregusiea) would clean it up. One of the most 'prominent' ones are the letters DBK or ARKY sprayed on buildings all over the algarve and even up to Lisbon!

I abhor graffiti and would dearly like to catch the perpetrators in the act of this mindless crime. I too have noticed the steady increase of grafitti in and around Carvoiero and would like to see some action from the Junta Da Fregusiea in cleaning the place up.The local council here in Bexley have started to take young offenders to the site where they have daubed their ‘tags’, and make them clean the area in front of their parents and members of the public who happen to be around. Of course they have to catch them first, but I am told that there is less grafitti appearing around the borough since the introduction of this initiative.


G

GNR has followed the rest of the western world I'm afraid! No more "in house" dealings with the yob culture (clip around the bonce and a long walk home). Weakness is obvious to all and the the little shitehawks will carry on and on and on. Asbo orders are a badge of honour to a teenage British yob! Same script in CVO soon

Might ruffle some feathers with this but......
some 'grafitti' can be artistic.....street art? or protest?
I recall Coop (Cowboy) showing us some brill 'street art' on here once before,when we discussed this problem?
Is it that bad in CVO? I must walk round with my eyes closed as I don't remember seeing much? Mind you, I was more concerned at seeing where I placed my feet, as I noticed quite a bit of damage to the side walks/pavements, where cobbles had been dug up!
ellie

I'm afraid I have to disagree Ellie - if I want to see art I go to a gallary at a time of my choosing.

G

bradybunch wrote:...... the problem with grafitti seems to be getting worse. Is it tolerated in Portugal..........

I would say yes. The Portuguese have a different attitude toward graffiti.
Firstly, buildings have been painted bright colours and had decorative tiles on the outside for 1000s of years (Arab/African influence). Secondly, the parents were doing it back in the 70’s as an expression of freedom following the revolution, so think nothing of their children doing it. And thirdly there is no law against it.

woops... it look me ages to post the last post … I didn’t see your post there elle

Art ? ... it is not.
It is - to my mind - vandalism and boring

How about pavement artists? as you might see in London's Westend? Chalks that can and usually are washed away?
I agree that some grafitti is probably in bad taste and if certain paints are used its destructive, the devils own to remove it.
The authorities have tried to deal with this problem in places like Brixton and Hackney by 'providing walls' in play areas, such as those of empty warehouses, so the kids can display there 'art work' without causing damage to people's property?
Maybe its something 'in us'? As when our ancestors drew on the walls of caves?

I agee the grafitti is on the increase!
They have even sprayed the school child on the algar seco road who looks like she is sky diving rather than crossing a road!

And a certain person sprays DBL everywhere!

Not good

Hi Ellie, understand where you are coming from on this, sometimes the works that are done are really amazing. Unfortunately the majority of the work is just 'tagging' which is just putting the initials or 'street name' of the person doing it, also seems to be something of a competition as to who can put their tag on the most inaccessible place.

Have to agree with the others that it is nothing worse than vandalism and really should be stopped.

Some authorities here in UK are making it part of a 'clean up' /community service, punishment, for those with asbos..
but if as digger states, grafitti isn't against the law in Portugal, what can be done?
and just as importantly, why are kids doing it? Not enough responsibilty? Boredom? They need to be noticed?To feel 'important? Peer pressure?
Suspect many would say, 'Good old clip round the ear' will sort it?
Whats your answer?
What would Freud make of this behaviour?
Ok, I've finished my devilment
for now..

hehe well done Ellie..on the devilment

Maybe 'they' should bring back Boot Camp for youngsters who offend like this, I don't think they should waste the time of courts who could then be left to get on with more serious cases. Maybe a good couple of months of strict control will do some good..... ...I just realised I am sounding like my late Father!! help

Ellie wrote: why are kids doing it? Not enough responsibilty? Boredom? They need to be noticed?To feel 'important? Peer pressure?

For the same reason Donald Trump puts his name on everything he can.

The answer is golf.

Get them material items bored and jaded 'internet generation' kids off the mean streets, away from them tv monitors, dvds, MTV, and smoking that weed/hemp nad guzzling beer/cheap mateus, and get them on the golf course for six hours.

OK, now where's the anti-golf at all price swat team to shoot me down?