Grilled sardines, live music and cooking demonstrations among the festival’s highlights
Portimão is hosting the 28th edition of its iconic Sardine Festival, an event which every summer attracts thousands of visitors eager to taste the town’s famous grilled sardines.
Having opened on Tuesday and running until Sunday (June 30-August 4), the event is also popular for its long list of entertainment, headlined by concerts by some of Portugal’s most successful artists.
Áurea was set to take the stage on Tuesday, followed by Fado singer Sara Correia on Wednesday, while sibling duo Anjos are set to perform on Thursday, followed by Richie Campbell on Friday, Marisa Liz on Saturday and Delfins on Sunday.
One of the novelties of this year’s festival, which is free and runs from 6pm to midnight, will be three showcooking events in which chefs will show visitors the many delicious way in which sardines can be prepared and allow visitors to taste the dishes.
Nuno Martins (executive chef and co-manager of Portimão’s NUMA restaurant) was due to kick the events off on Wednesday, followed by José Moura (executive chef at Tivoli Lagos Algarve Resort and teacher at the Portimão Hotel and Tourism School) on Friday and José Lopes (executive chef at Carvoeiro’s Michelin-starred Bon Bon) on Saturday. The demonstrations, organised by the Sardine Gastronomes Brotherhood, will take place from 7pm to 8pm near the lounge area.
Another new feature of this edition is the location of the so-called “sardine stage”. Previously located near the dining area, it has now been moved to the main stage due to the large turnout, giving the artists more space to perform.
The ‘lounge’ area has also expanded, with a new image celebrating the centenary of Portimão’s elevation to city status. This space will also function as an information point where quizzes will be organised, the local council announced.
For more information about the festival, visit https://festivaldasardinha.pt/
