Sardine Festival opens on July 30

The Secretary of State for Tourism presides over the event’s inauguration.

The traditional re-enactment of the sardine unloading at Gil Eanes dock, scheduled for 10:30 AM on Tuesday, July 30th, marks the beginning of the 28th Sardine Festival, which will take place in the riverside area of Portimão until August 4th.

This re-enactment, of particular relevance to the social and economic history of Portimão and its people, will be broadcast live and can be followed on the social media channels of the Municipality of Portimão (facebook.com/portimaomunicipio and https://www.instagram.com/portimaooficial/).

During the re-enactment, which will allow attendees to relive the vibrant atmosphere of the fish market in an authentic and immersive cultural experience, three thousand tasting vouchers will be offered. These vouchers, which include two sardines on bread and a drink, can be redeemed at one of the five dining spaces managed by local associations, from the afternoon of July 30th until the end of the festival, which runs from 6 PM to midnight.

The official opening of the Sardine Festival will be presided over by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Pedro Machado, and is scheduled for 6:45 PM next to the bandstand in Manuel Teixeira Gomes Square. The opening will feature performances by the Banda da Sociedade Filarmónica Portimonense and the Fanfarra dos Bombeiros Voluntários de Portimão.

Following the success of the previous year, one of the new features of this year’s festival will be three showcookings. These will feature Nuno Martins (executive chef and co-manager of Restaurante NUMA – recommended by the Michelin Guide 2024) on July 31st, José Moura (executive chef of Tivoli Lagos Algarve Resort and instructor at the Portimão School of Hospitality and Tourism) on August 2nd, and José Lopes (executive chef of Restaurante Bon Bon, with a Michelin star) on August 3rd.

The showcookings, organized by the Confraria dos Gastrónomos da Sardinha, will take place from 7 PM to 8 PM next to the Lounge Area, allowing visitors to taste the dishes prepared by the chefs, with sardines as the main ingredient.

Another change in this year’s edition concerns the Sardine Stage, which was previously located near the dining area and will now be moved to the main stage. This change addresses the large crowds the stage attracted, providing a larger and more dignified space for the artists and ensuring the comfort of both diners and those enjoying the musical entertainment.

Additionally, the Lounge Area has been expanded and features a new design celebrating the centenary of Portimão’s elevation to city status. It retains its welcoming and relaxing atmosphere, where games will be held and information provided.

Among the many attractions of the 28th Sardine Festival, the enticing Main Stage program includes:

All information about the Algarve’s most famous gastronomic event, which is free to enter and once again organized by the Municipality of Portimão, can be found on the official website at https://festivaldasardinha.pt/.

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