The Aldeia do Azinhal, in the municipality of Castro Marim, was once again the scene of a vibrant celebration of the culture and traditions of the interior Algarve with another edition of the May Land, which took place between 23 and 25 May. The initiative, organized by the Castro Marim City Council in partnership with the Azinhal Parish Council, attracted thousands of visitors to the Azinhal Multipurpose Center, confirming the success of the event as a meeting point for gastronomy, tradition and rural identity.
The event gave a special highlight to the Algarvian goat, with the exhibition of specimens of the species and the seventh edition of the already emblematic largest Algarvian goat cheese, which again enchanted those present. The gastronomy was also highlighted with presentations of new products from Azinhal and Showcookings dynamized by the Vila Real Hospitality and Tourism School, the Tuna Confraria and prestigious chefs such as Arnaldo Correia (Orangea – Hotel Ozadi), Hugo Martins (born in Azinhal and Chef at Vila Petra Albufeira Hotel), Ricardo Luz (2019) Jeferson Dias (chief cook of the year 2023).
In the musical component, the land of May reaffirmed its bet on Portuguese music, with performances by artists such as Rebeca, Quim Barreiros, Sounds of Minho, Single Pardals, Group +2, Sérgio Conceição, Hugo Madeira, Charanga Los del Ruedo, Azinhal and Acordanima Folkloric Ranch.
The program also included the traditional Seminar on Water Management, Regadium and Agricultural Production, with the participation of the Association of Beneficiaries of the CCDR Algarve and Guadimonte Company. One of the central moments was the intervention of the Macário Correia engineer, with a retrospective on the water management plan and the possible location scenarios for the future Foupana dam.
The event also celebrated the producers of the Algarve Goat through a contest that this year featured a broad participation of producers from Algarve and Alentejo, highlighting the presence of young goatrs, representatives of a new generation that combines technical knowledge with a deep respect for tradition.
In addition to the agricultural and gastronomic aspect, the May Land provided equestrian demonstrations, children’s activities, regional product fair, handicraft demonstrations, arc shooting, workshops and studiors. The event also featured parallel initiatives promoted by local entities, such as the 7th informal old motorcycles tour, organized by the Azinhal Recreational and Cultural Association, which brought together about 100 participants.
The land of May 2025 thus reinforced its importance as an event to promote rurality, biodiversity and cultural heritage of Baixo Guadiana, in an environment marked by community involvement and the celebration of traditional knowledge.
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