Lagoa’s Fatacil fair continues to reach new heights, having welcomed a record number of people – 26,000 – on Sunday, August 18, when Portuguese hip/hop and rap band Wet Bed Gang took the stage.
Fatacil runs until Sunday (August 25) and is this year celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Agriculture minister Capoulas Santos attended the opening ceremony last Friday, saying it was a “great honour” to be there.
“Fatacil showcases the dynamism of the municipality and the region, where agriculture, which has always been one of the foundations of the fair, continues to play an important role,” the minister said.
“It is no coincidence then that agriculture, alongside tourism, is the economic sector that records the highest growth levels and continues to resist the effects of the crisis.”
Capoulas Santos went on to highlight several feats achieved in the Algarve, such as the new record numbers in terms of orange and wine exports this year, saying that agriculture has become a “prestigious sector”.
“There is a lot of expertise, business capability and technology, and we want it to continue that way,” the minister added.
During the inauguration, Lagoa mayor Luís Encarnação stressed how Fatacil has grown from a fair that initially only showcased the work of 11 local exhibitors to today welcoming over 800 exhibitors from across Portugal.
He is also confident that this year’s fair will be the “best ever”.
If you haven’t been yet, you have until Sunday to visit Fatacil, which is well known for its many stalls promoting local businesses, products and services as well as arts and crafts and delicious regional food.
There is also live music, equestrian shows and a ‘fun zone’ for youngsters with videogames, simulators and appearances by well-known Portuguese Youtube stars.
Upcoming musical acts include Blaya (August 22), Jorge Palma (August 23), Mariza (August 24) and Richie Campbell (August 25), all of whom will perform on the new stage which has been moved to a new area, allowing more space for exhibitors and visitors.
Daily tickets cost €4 per person and €14 for a family of four. To celebrate the event’s 40th edition, organisers are offering two free tickets to anyone born on June 21 – the day when the first Fatacil was held in 1980.
Photos: MARIA SIMIRIS/OPEN MEDIA GROUP
