The Portimão Municipal Market celebrates its 17th anniversary with the opening of a multipurpose space and the launch of the “100 Years, 100 Sardines” exhibition.
The Portimão Municipal Market marked its 17th anniversary on December 14th with the opening of a multipurpose space that now hosts the exhibition “100 Years, 100 Sardines.”
As one of the largest markets in the Algarve, the Market opened on December 11th, 2007, spanning approximately 8,500m². It houses stalls selling fish, vegetables, fruits, bread and flowers.
Inauguration
The anniversary program began with the inauguration of the multipurpose space, designed to host exhibitions, discussions, product showcases and other activities.
This space was created following a comprehensive renovation of the former Butcher Shop No. 4, at a cost exceeding 25,000 euros.
Exhibition “100 Years, 100 Sardines”
The new space also launched with the exhibition “100 Years, 100 Sardines”, which showcased the winning entries from a competition of the same name.
This vibrant, community-driven project commemorated the centenary of Portimão’s elevation to city status. Participants found inspiration in the town’s rich maritime heritage, with the sardine symbolizing not only local cuisine but also Portimão’s deep connection to its identity and culture.
Each sardine in the exhibition underscores Portimão’s historical ties to fishing, the canning industry, and the sea, celebrating a legacy that has shaped the city’s character. The creative initiative united 50 invited artists and 50 community members, collectively honoring this tradition.
The exhibition featured 100 uniquely designed sardines, highlighting Portimão’s diversity and creative energy. These designs will later be transferred to tiles and displayed on building facades throughout the municipality, transforming the area into an open-air museum and a new tourist attraction.
After the exhibition’s opening, attendees celebrated the anniversary of the Portimão Municipal Market by singing “Happy Birthday” and enjoying a cake prepared by students from the Portimão School of Hospitality and Tourism – Turismo de Portugal IP.
Music, Roses, and Good Cheer
The program took place as part of the City Day celebrations, highlighting the symbolic gesture of gifting a rose to Market customers. Musical performances enlivened the event, with Vítor do Carmo on the Portuguese guitar, accompanied by José Santana and Nuno Martins on fado guitars.
The festivities also featured entertainment from a Christmas clown, who is scheduled to return to the Portimão Municipal Market on the morning of December 21st.
