The hot nights and entertainment proposals were the main reasons for the success of the Loulé Popular Fair – XXI Handicraft Fair -, which took place from 18 to 22 July, in Largo do Tribunal, even surpassing the public influx registered in 2011 .
With more than 70 exhibitors of handicraft and agri-food products, the fair once again served as a showcase for products made by artisans from the Algarve mountains, from basketry, jewelry, pottery, to traditional liqueurs and arbutus.
In another component, the Fair had a strong children's entertainment, from the carousel, inflatables, tent with paintings and face paintings and the recreation of an open-air cinema with the projection of Portuguese and children's films.
The music also animated the venue, with emphasis on the Folklore Festival, which marked the 35th anniversary of the Rancho Folclórico Infantil and Juvenil de Loulé, and the performance of Filipa Sousa, the fado singer who represented Portugal at the Eurovision Festival.
One of the most popular spots at the event was the tavern area, where visitors could taste the region's traditional snacks.
For Seruca Emídio, president of the Loulé City Council, the event promoted by the Autarchy underlined, once again, the importance of this Fair in the context of entertainment during the summer season, but, fundamentally, the support for artisans from the Algarve mountains, mostly elderly, who find extra income in crafts.
At a time when the Serra do Caldeirão was once again buffeted by fires, fairs like this could revive these depressed areas in the interior.
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