THE 27TH edition of Fatacil begins in Lagoa this Friday (August 18) at the Municipal Fairs and Exhibitions Park. The biggest fair in southern Portugal will showcase over 800 exhibitors of regional handicrafts, tourism, farming, commerce and industry.
The opening day, named ‘Dia do Pestana Group’ (official sponsors of the event), commences at 6pm with the official inauguration ceremony taking place at 7.30pm, which will be attended by Portugal’s President, Cavaco Silva. After the ceremony has concluded, at 8.30pm, an exhibition from the GNR Cinegético group (police dogs) will follow. At 10.30pm, the band Beto Kalulu will perform a concert on the main stage.
Other bands performing at the event include Xutos e Pontapés on August 19, Tony Carreira on August 23, Boney M on August 26 and Orishas on August 27, the final day of the exhibition. All performances begin at 10pm.
At the presentation of the event held last week, organiser Rui Correia, spoke of the increased security and parking availability at this year’s fair: “There will be six car parks and we are using the football training pitch next to the site of the fair as additional space to watch the large concerts from, creating more room for attendees.”
Strong emphasis is placed on local gastronomy at Fatacil, with competitions being held for the best honey, medronho and regional doçaria (confectionary). A cork themed fashion show, a Portuguese pedigree dog show and a hunting bird exhibition are just some of the other unique events taking place this year.
The event, organised by Fatasul, is costing around 650,000 euros to stage. Entrance is four euros per person (children under 12 go free). The fair will open at 4pm each day (except on the opening day) and close at 1am.
