Bolo de Tacho is one of Monchique’s most traditional cakes
Portugal has begun the public consultation process to include Monchique’s Bolo de Tacho cake in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Known also as Bolo de Maio or Bolo de Milho, this traditional cake is made using local ingredients – cornmeal, olive oil, honey, and pork lard – and can be flavoured with everything from coffee and cocoa powder to a range of spices.
The 30-day consultation allows input before a final decision is made within 120 days.
According to the Rede de Museus do Algarve (Algarve Museum Network), the cake was made exclusively in May, as it was the main component of the picnic baskets or snacks that people brought to the traditional “desmaios” (picnics) held in the Monchique mountains on May 1.
The cake has since become a ubiquitous treat in Monchique which can be found all-year-long at local pastry shops.
