Bread brings friends and, certainly, it will make many more, in yet another Fair in the Serra de São Brás de Alportel, which takes place from the 25th to the 27th of July, in this village in the Serra do Caldeirão. This «fundamental element of mountain gastronomy» is the star of the 23rd edition of the event, which aims to make known the traditions and the best of what is done in the interior of the Algarve and was presented this Thursday.
For those who can't do without this gastronomic product, with a meal or throughout the day, the news couldn't be better. There will be many varieties of bread, warm, made on site and even the opportunity to make it with your own hands, in the new «Sítio do Pão».
«Bread is the basis of the diet of the people of the mountains and a central element of our Mediterranean Diet. It will occupy a prominent place in this edition of the Fair. It will be worked live by three bakeries here in the county, one each day. Visitors will have the opportunity to get their hands dirty and make their own bread», revealed the mayor of São Brás de Alportel Vítor Guerreiro.
In addition to making friends in this and other ways – “there is the opportunity to buy it warm” – the bread will have, as one would expect, companions. Both in the tasquinhas area and in Aldeia Serrana, where the best local products are sold, there will be suggestions that match perfectly or even made with bread. “We will have seven restaurant spaces, which will present suggestions related to our special guest”, assured Vítor Guerreiro.
In Aldeia Serrana, there will be «many artisans and exhibitors», more than usual. «There was a lot of demand and we tried to share some of the stands, as space is limited», revealed the São Brasense mayor. In this space, in addition to genuine handicrafts, some made to order, live, you can also find food products, among which «the typical sweets of the region, made with almonds, figs and carob».
Also highlighted will be innovation, based on local products. And if the raw material is São Brasense, the final product cannot be used in the municipality. “We are going to highlight an innovative project, which brings together the artist Octávio Lourenço and students from the professional sports course at our Secondary School: a surfboard made of cork stoppers,” revealed Vítor Guerreiro.
Despite being produced in the Serra, where there are no known waves to enjoy, this board "is fully functional and has many orders" from lovers of this nautical sport. At the Secondary School of São Brás, this project has been coordinated by Professor Rui Beijoca.
José Cid helps make the party in São Brás
The gastronomy, heritage and culture of the mountains are some of the central elements of this event, which every year attracts thousands of people to São Brás de Alportel in July. Music animation is another.
«This year we have two stages again. On the Sonoridades stage we make known what is traditional and here in the region. At Principal we will also show artists from the Algarve», he revealed.
The loudest name on the poster of the Feira da Serra de Verão 2014 is José Cid, who will perform on Sunday, the 27th. The night, on the last day of the festival, will be launched with the performance of the Algarve group «Cante Andarilho».
Also with regard to the musical poster, Thursday will reserve performances by the São Brás Accordionist Group and the Algarve band Iris, ending with a Baile Serrano. On Saturday, after designers and local stores show what they have to offer, in a new São Brás Fashion, he goes up to the José de Freitas Stage.
This is just one of the forms of entertainment that the City Council of São Brás de Alportel makes available to visitors. The youngest have a space dedicated to them, where they can play and learn, having fun. The animal site is also a hub of the fair that traditionally attracts a lot of people.
«This year, on Saturday and Sunday, during the day, we will host equestrian events that count towards the National Championship of jumping, harnessing and “dressage”, which will bring many fans to São Brás, who will certainly take the opportunity to visit the fair», added the president of the Chamber.
Vítor Guerreiro also highlighted the strong involvement of the population in Feira da Serra «and the pride they have in this event». “We have many young volunteers and all associations in the county are represented here”, he explained, stressing that it is this general enthusiasm that has allowed the event to grow from year to year.
"This is a very important moment for the county and for the population's self-esteem," said the mayor, who recalled the Centenary of the elevation of São Brás to county, which is being celebrated and will also have a stand dedicated to it, at the Fair of the Mountain.
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