Feira de São Martinho is a historic event in Portimão, held for centuries
Portimão is gearing up for its ‘Feira de São Martinho’ (Saint Martin’s Fair), a historic event which will return for its 361st edition between November 8 and 17.
Held at the local fairground, the autumn fair has become synonymous with the smell of roasted chestnuts and octopus, which are among the most beloved snacks of the autumn season. But there is much more to look forward to, starting with the panoply of rides which range from fun carousels and bumper cars for children to more daring options for those with a thirst for adrenaline. The event would not be complete without the long rows of stalls, selling everything from clothing to sweets.
As in previous editions, there will be two themed days, the first offering special prices for children and young people to celebrate Youth Day on November 13, while the fair’s closing day on November 17 will be dedicated to families, with special prices offered at all participating spaces.
Additionally, the Portimão Arena will host a car exhibition, which will feature a wide range of new and used cars. This exhibition can be visited during the following hours: November 8 and 9 – from 4pm to 12am; November 10 to 14 – from 4pm to 11pm; November 15 and 16 – from 4pm to 12am; and November 17 – from 4pm to 10pm.
The fair will also have different timetables on different days, running from 4pm to 1am on the opening day (November 8), from 10am to 1am on November 9, 15 and 16, and from 10am to 12am from November 10 to 14 and on November 17. Admission is free.
There will be the usual two entrances, either through the main fairground entrance near the local bus terminal or the southern entrance near the railway bridge and the town’s riverside sardine restaurants, each with parking.
The local council has also explained that pedestrians and cyclists who usually use the fairground as a path to the riverside and vice-versa will not be able to do so from October 30 to November 8 and then again from November 18 to 21 due to the assembly and disassembly of the event.
There will also be no monthly market in November, which will return on December 2, nor the usual Antiques Fair, which will be back on December 1 and 15.
