The village of Querença revives the traditional Festa das Chouriças, on January 21st and 22nd. In honor of S. Luís, protector of animals, this festivity is considered one of the most important gastronomic events held annually in the Algarve countryside.
The celebrations kick off on Saturday, the 21st, at 21 pm, with a Fado Night at the Casa do Povo de Querença party room.
But the highlight of this event takes place on Sunday, starting at 11:00 am, at Largo da Igreja, with the opening of the exhibition “Tradições Serranas – A Matança do Porco”. This exhibition, which was open to the public at Feira da Serra 2011, aims to recreate the entire cycle of this centuries-old tradition, which goes from the raising of pigs, through the moment when the animal is killed, to its treatment, to the use of the animal. for food, especially for the much appreciated sausages. Images and objects transmit to the visitor this tradition directly associated with the Festa das Chouriças.
Still in the morning, the general public is invited to participate in the roasted sausage tasting.
At 15 pm, the religious celebrations begin, with the celebration of the Eucharist followed by a procession through the village streets with the image of S. Luís.
And at 16:30 pm, the most memorable moment of the party takes place, with the auction of sausages and offerings, at Largo da Igreja.
This festivity arises in the continuity of a centuries-old tradition and is the most emblematic festival of its kind in the Algarve interior and, to that extent, is an important tourist attraction at this time of year, combining the gastronomy component with the religious one.
The roots of this event go back to a time when, in the interior of the Algarve, families had the habit of raising their pig for sustenance throughout the year. It was also a tradition to ask S. Luis, the patron of animals, to keep the pig in good condition, in order to guarantee food for the household. As a form of gratitude, the families offered the Holy Protector the best homemade sausages. The belief says that in January it is time to glorify the Saint who helped in the creation of the animals.
As such, it is a tradition among farmers in this area, if the animals have a healthy life until the Festa da Matança, which takes place at the beginning of the year, to offer one or more sausages to S. Luís, with the rest being auctioned, together with other offers, in a very competitive auction.
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