The Algarve’s ‘Festival da Comida Esquecida’ (Forgotten Food Festival) is back for its third edition, celebrating local foods, traditions and knowledge at risk of disappearing. Organised by QRER – Cooperativa para o Desenvolvimento dos Territórios de Baixa Densidade – a community-based cooperative dedicated to boosting cultural, social and economic projects in rural and less-populated parts of the Algarve – the event will once again take food lovers into the heart of the region with three unique gastronomic experiences.
The programme kicks off on Sunday, September 14 in Querença, Loulé with the return of the popular “Piqueniques de Charme” (Charm Picnics) from 10am to 3pm, first introduced in the festival’s debut edition. This year, the picnic comes with fresh themes exploring regional wines and Algarve sweets. But if you haven’t booked already, you’re out of luck – this session is already sold out.
Next up is a special lunch on Sunday, October 19 at Herdade do Barranco do Vale in São Bartolomeu de Messines, Silves (9.30am to 3.30pm), followed by another ‘Charm Picnic’ on Sunday, November 16 at Quinta do Freixo in Benafim, Loulé (9.30pm to 3.30pm).
Registrations are now open for the upcoming events at the project’s new website, where each event has its own page with details and sign-up forms. Numbers are limited and booking in advance is essential.
According to the organisers, the festival stands out by “reviving foods, practices and knowledge at risk of disappearing, linking gastronomy, culture and community involvement in low-density areas.” For QRER, cultural and creative tourism rooted in local identity and traditions represents both “a concrete opportunity to defend cultural heritage and to boost the economy.”
This year’s edition is made possible through collaborations with local partners, including Proactivetur, Rêverie, Herdade do Barranco do Vale and Quinta do Freixo, which not only host events but also help shape the programme. Wines from Herdade do Barranco do Vale will be served throughout the festival.
The initiative also has financial and institutional backing from the national tourism authority Turismo de Portugal, regional tourism board Região de Turismo do Algarve, the municipal council of Loulé (through the “Convite ao Interior” project), and the union of parishes of Querença, Tôr and Benafim.
