Saturday 8 November 2008

St. Martin’s Fair in Portimão: An exceptional Fair that dates back to 1662!


One of the most important Fairs in the annual calendar is now open until Sunday 16th November.

It’s a traditional fair dating back to 1662 during the reign of King Afonso VI of Portugal (The Victorious) . The fair was created to celebrate St. Martin's Day (November 11).

At the Fair (Feira) you find entertainment for people of all ages !

You will find exhibit stands of different industries, food products, bric-a-brac, metalwork, porcelain, utensils made of copper, clothes and shoes, quilts and many others.

Foodwise expect to sample the traditional roasted chestnuts, the fried-dough pastry ‘farturas’ (known also as churros in Spain and other countries), grilled octopus, popcorn and lots of other foods at the restaurants present at the Fair.



9th - 15th November, 10AM to Midnight
Sunday 16th November 10AM to 23PM

Location: Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Portimão
Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Portimão is easily accessible from the centre of Portimão by car or local bus. It’s within walking distance from Portimão’s Riverside Area.

Location Map:

View Larger Map

Links & Notes:

St. Martin started out as a Roman soldier who is understood to have been a kind man.

The most famous legend of his life is that he cut his cloak in half to share with a beggar during a snowstorm, to save the beggar from dying of cold.

Throughout Portugal, St. Martin's Day is celebrated by eating roast chestnuts and drinking sweet wines (Jeropiga)

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Algarve Holiday Studio: http://www.geocities.com/algarve_holiday/
For a memorable stay at Praia da Rocha, Algarve !

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