Over 12,000 people converged on the sleepy western Algarve town of Vila do Bispo last weekend to celebrate the delights of eating “percebes” – the seafood delicacy whose English translation “Goose Barnacles” belies absolutely their signature taste. Row upon row of tables filled up over the three-day event with the supplies of ‘percebes’ being constantly replenished to satisfy voracious demand. Traditionally, fishermen now face a three-month ban on percebes’ harvesting to give the crustaceans time to recover from their summer popularity.
Vila do Bispo’s “Festival do Percebe” is organised by the Costa Vicentina association of shellfishermen in collaboration with Vila do Bispo council.
