“Fair brings to the fore one of the main priorities for the Algarve in the coming years: the diversification of economic activities”
Donning a constant smile, Minister for the Presidency Mariana Vieira da Silva inaugurated Lagoa’s FATACIL fair last Friday (August 18). The hugely popular event – full name ‘Lagoa Agriculture, Tourism, Crafts, Trade and Industry Fair’ – runs until August 27 at the town’s Fair and Exhibition Park.
Accompanying the minister on the usual inaugural visit to the fair were the mayor of Lagoa, Luís Encarnação, as well as the president of the assembly, José Águas da Cruz, the president of CCDR Algarve, José Apolinário, the regional director of Agriculture and Fisheries for the Algarve, Pedro Valadas Monteiro, and other dignitaries, including mayors from other municipalities, regional directors of various services and members of parliament.
Mariana Vieira da Silva was there to celebrate the 42nd edition of FATACIL and to greet the many artisans and entrepreneurs participating in the event.
She told journalists: “The fair brings to the fore one of the main priorities for the Algarve in the coming years: the diversification of economic activities“, underlining that it is “fundamental for the growth of the region, for employment and for the growth of the country”.
In her speech, the minister highlighted that Portugal is “much better placed to face the challenges of the future”, emphasising the ability to attract and retain professionals in key areas” – above the European average – and the fact that it is the country considered by the European Commission “as being the closest to meeting climate action targets“.
She also emphasised that recovery from the pandemic gives Portugal “confidence for the future”, given that the country “has not stagnated or gone into recession” and has even recorded the third highest growth in the European Union in the second quarter, with employment at “historic highs” and inflation on a “significant downward path”.
The message of optimism came not only from Mariana Vieira da Silva but also from Lagoa mayor Luís Encarnação, who described the event as a “unique stage for the best that is produced in Lagoa, the Algarve, and in Portugal“, from handicraft, gastronomy and wines to tourism, commerce, and agriculture. This year, the fair boasts “an even larger area, improved conditions and equipment”.
FATACIL showcases the work of artists from across the country, a diverse musical programme on both the main and secondary stages (see the full programme on the event’s Facebook page) and nationally and internationally recognised names from the equestrian world.
A day ticket costs €5, a family day ticket €16 and a 10-day pass for €30, with children aged up to 12 entering for free upon presentation of their Citizen’s Card.
Tickets can be purchased through the online ticket office at https://fatacil.bol.pt, at CTT, Fnac, Worten, the Convento de São José Cultural Centre, the Municipal Balcão Único and at the event’s ticket offices.
By BEATRIZ MAIO
