THE COUNTRY’S oldest craft fair in Estoril, in front of the Centro de Congressos, will soon be finished for another year, but there is still time to spend an evening walking around the impressive range of different handicrafts for sale. Some of the most popular acts in Portuguese music take the stage to entertain the crowds browsing the stalls. The fair has been an annual event for 43 years, showing no signs of losing popularity.
Every year, there is more diversity in the visitors as well as the handicrafts, with live demonstrations including painting on tiles. Craftspeople from all over Portugal and the rest of the world show onlookers how pottery is made, how linen and wool are woven and how techniques and instruments were used many years before technology arrived.
This evening’s (August 25) treat is a night of Fado with Algarve-born Raquel Peters, beginning at 9.30pm. Tomorrow night (August 26), there will be Fado with a flamenco vibe, courtesy of Sevilhanas e Napolitanas. The rest of the fair will bring with it Azorean folklore from Lavadeiras da Ribeira da Lage on August 30, from 8pm, and the St. Dominic’s Gospel Choir will be closing the fair on September 3, from 9.30pm. Typical Portuguese cuisine and beverages will be available.
The Estoril Craft Fair opens throughout the week at 6pm and at weekends at 5pm. Weekday prices are one euro for adults and 50 cents for over 65s. Weekend and public holiday entrance fees are slightly different, with adults paying 2.5 euros and over 65s being charged one euro. The fair is free for children under the age of 12.
