Alcoutim Council has confirmed that the Contraband Festival is returning for its fourth edition between March 27 and 29, 2020.
The festival has slowly become one of the biggest cultural events in the Eastern Algarve, attracting thousands of visitors.
It has become best known for its floating footbridge, set up especially for the event, that allows people to walk over the Guadiana River between Alcoutim and its Spanish neighbouring town of Sanlúcar de Guadiana.
While the name of the festival may be confusing to some, it aims to act as a reminder of the not-so-distant times when contraband was key to survival in these communities.
The idea of the event is not to glorify illegal activity but instead to demonstrate how life was so hard for local communities that late-night smuggling was seen as an opportunity for a better life and future.
Thus, the streets of the two towns are taken back in time with historical re-enactments, street entertainment, markets and handicraft demonstrations.
The event is part of the 365 Algarve cultural programme. Admission is free.
