The small village of Cortelha in Loulé, in the heart of the Serra do Caldeirão, is preparing to host the second edition of its Firewater and Honey Fair on Saturday, March 11.
The event was held for the first time in 2019 and was hailed a success by the Associação dos Amigos da Cortelha (Association of Friends of Cortelha), which organises the fair. However, Covid-19 halted plans to host the second edition until now.
Taking place at the Cortelha multisports field, the fair will bring together several ‘medronho’ firewater and honey producers, as well as local craftspeople. The event, which will be free to visit, will also feature traditional food from the Algarve’s lesser-known inland areas and musical entertainment.
One of the highlights of the event promises to be a 10km hike, which will take participants on a tour of the local medronho firewater distilleries, “which, at this time of year, are in the middle of production to achieve the most genuine and flavourful Serra do Caldeirão medronho firewater”.
“Participants will also be able to experience the beautiful landscapes that Serra do Caldeirão offers at this time of year,” organisers say.
The walk – which will begin at 9am and cost €12 for members of the Associação dos Amigos de Cortelha and €15 for non-members – will come to an end with a typical ‘serrano’ (mountain) lunch back at the venue. Registration can be made online at www.amigosdacortelha.pt
