Marking the beginning of the 28th Sardine Festival, the port city will use 500 kilos of fresh fish and 70 extras to recreate how fisherman unloaded their catch onto Portimão pier.
On the morning of July 30, to celebrate the start of the 28th edition of the Sardine Festival, Portimão and its Museum are hosting the traditional yearly reenactment of fishermen unloading sardines at the pier.
Locals and visitors are invited to witness this unique spectacle and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the ancient fish auction in an immersive cultural experience. This cultural recreation recalls the picturesque activity lost since the fishing port moved to the opposite bank of the Arade River.
The event starts with the arrival of the trawlers carrying sardines, which are expected to dock at the Gil Eanes pier in Portimão’s riverside area between 10h30 and 12h00. Here, the sardines will be unloaded in the typical hustle and bustle of the old fish market by some seventy members of local associations and volunteers participating.
These “extras,” dressed in costumes, reciting typical phrases, and using transportation methods from that time, have been practising for the spectacle at the Portimão Museum under the guidance of actor Vítor Correia since July 8.
Together, they will unload and “sell” five hundred kilograms of fresh sardines, purchased at a fish auction on the same day by partner Docapesca – Portos e Lotas S.A. and donated to the event’s organisation.
Those who come down to the pier to witness the show will have the opportunity to receive one of the 3000 complimentary tasting tickets that will be distributed to attendees. Each ticket includes a snack of two sardines on bread and a drink that can be claimed between July 30 and August 4 at any of the five Sardine Festival food stalls.
A journey through time
This annual initiative aims to evoke the historical activities of the fish auction, highlighting the arrival of the boats loaded with sardines, announced by the siren that alerted buyers to head to the pier to assess the quality of the fish.
Once the fish was unloaded, the sardine auction started with a sung litany of descending values, interrupted by a cry of “Chui!” used to place a purchase order.
After the auction, the fish was packed into boxes to be iced or salted and transported to their destination on bicycles, vans, tricycles, and motorbikes. These were regularly diverted by children who generated uproar and then quickly dove into the river to escape.
The entire fish market atmosphere, with its dynamics and interactions, drew in onlookers and tourists, fostering a friendly atmosphere between fishermen and spectators. This was especially evident when those unloading the fish grilled sardines for lunch and offered visitors a taste of this regional delicacy.
This historical reenactment serves as a tangible representation of the tourist and cultural heritage that shapes the collective memory and identity of Portimão. By reenacting the sardine unloading ritual, the aim is to preserve this heritage and enhance the attractiveness of Portimão’s riverside area.
Festival entertainment
The official opening of the 28th edition of Portimão’s famous Sardine Festival takes place on July 30, starting at 18h00. The annual festivities last until August 4, offering roasted sardines galore, snacks and sweet treats. There will also be handicraft stalls and plenty of entertainment featuring the following headlining acts: Áurea (July 30), Sara Correia (July 31), Anjos (August 1), Richie Campbell (August 2), Marisa Liz (August 3), and Delfins (August 4).
