At a time when the threat of sardine fishing bans is looming over Portugal (click here), any excuse to enjoy this delicious fish is a good one. And Portimão will be the place to be next month, as the town will be hosting its hugely popular Sardine Festival.
Taking place between Wednesday, August 2 and Sunday, August 6, the event is one of the oldest and most popular gastronomic happenings in the Algarve.
Eight restaurants will be serving the traditional dish of sardines, boiled potatoes and salad – À Ravessa, Casa Bica, Dona Barca, Forte e Feio, O Meco, Retiro do Peixe Assado, Ú Venâncio and Zizá – and will be identified with the ‘Aqui Há Sardinha’ (Here We Have Sardines) logo.
The beloved ‘sardinha no pão’ (sardine on bread) will also be on sale in the town’s riverside area near the old ‘Lota’ fishing market, where there will also be a small fair with other traditional, regional snacks and sweets, and handicraft.
Another important part of the festival are the concerts, which this year will see Áurea (Wednesday, August 2), Reflect (Thursday), Átoa (Friday), Cuca Roseta (Saturday) and João Só (Sunday) taking the stage at 10pm.
The event takes place between 7pm and 1am. Admission is free.
For more information see www.festivaldasardinha.pt
