For Tavira and for the Algarve, the Mediterranean Diet is a lot: it is a millenary heritage, it is flavors, knowledge and traditions, an engine for the local economy, a differentiating factor for Tourism and a reason for regional pride, which inspired a partnership between many public and private entities. The Mediterranean Diet Fair, which started yesterday and can be visited until Sunday in the city of Gilão, «is the expression of all this».
The mayor of Tavira Jorge Botelho assumed the role of host at the opening of the event, which took place this Thursday. And it guarantees that the effects of UNESCO's recognition of the Portuguese Mediterranean Diet as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity, with Tavira as a representative community, is already stirring up the local economy.
«The financial return of the Mediterranean Diet is visible throughout the year, with the increase in activity. In the last three years, we have revamped our restaurants, opened new commercial spaces and extended the tourist peak season. There is an increase in confidence that the artisans are growing again, the honey people are producing again and that everything that is ours is developing. This is reflected in local businesses. Today there is no store available here in downtown Tavira», illustrated Jorge Botelho.
The Minister of Planning and Infrastructure Pedro Marques, who presided over the opening of the event, highlighted, in turn, the differentiating factor that the Mediterranean Diet instills in the regional tourism offer, which can be an asset when competing with other destinations.
Until Sunday, this dynamic is enhanced by the Mediterranean Diet Fair, which now has its 4th edition. The riverside area of the city and the hill of Santa Maria are once again filled with aromas, colors and music for four days, to showcase local products, the work of artisans, promote gastronomy and introduce other cultures, who share with us the heritage of the Mediterranean Diet.
The Tavirense autarchy is one of the 12 partner entities of the Fair. Together, the partners set up a program that brings together initiatives of different types, from gastronomic demonstrations, to seminars, through concerts, entertainment for the youngest to the old, street entertainment and sporting activities.
In the many stalls that line the Rio Gilão, there is a little of everything. Next to a fruit and vegetable stand, we can find one that sells honey or arbutus. From a cheese and sausage vendor, we can buy a fruit smoothie, which we will have to mix while riding a bicycle. And there are artisans around every corner, some of whom work live.
On the hill, other more playful activities are concentrated. Here is the long-awaited tavern area of the Mediterranean Diet Fair, which has already accustomed visitors to the event to authentic delicacies with traditional flavors, linked to the sea and the mountains. Next door, the little ones have a space dedicated to them, with lots of activities and games.
The complete and detailed program can be consulted here.
See the photos of the 4th Mediterranean Diet Fair:
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