The Festas dos Santos Populares have already started across the country and sardines continue to occupy a central place in the celebrations. Between festivals, marches and nights spent on the street, the fish most associated with the month of June once again attracts thousands of people, although this year the price for maintaining the tradition is higher in several parts of the country.
According to , the price of sardines served on bread varies between R$1.50 and R$3 per unit. The difference depends on the location and date of the festivities, and the highest prices tend to appear at times of greater crowds.
Nights when demand drives prices up
Saint Anthony’s Eve, in Lisbon, and Saint John’s Eve, in Porto, continue to be the most popular moments for Santos Populares. On these dates, demand intensifies and ends up being reflected in the prices charged by vendors and establishments that participate in the festivities.
The newspaper says that the maximum value of three euros per sardine on bread should return to practice in Lisbon on the night of June 12th and in Porto on June 23rd. Celebrations linked to São Pedro, on June 28, may also register similar prices in municipalities such as Sintra and Seixal, where the festivities usually attract thousands of visitors.
One of the most important fish for the sector
The relevance of sardines goes far beyond popular festivals. It is one of the most important species for national fishing activity, representing a significant part of the catches made in Portugal throughout the year.
According to Correio da Manhã, 36,333 tons of sardines were caught last year, an increase of 13.8% compared to the previous period. This volume corresponds to around a third of all fish caught, confirming the importance that the species continues to have in the economy linked to the sea.
From the auction to the supermarket shelves
The increase in demand at this time of year also has an impact on prices throughout the sales chain. There is a significant difference between the first auction sale and the amount paid by the end consumer, influenced by transportation, storage and distribution costs.
According to the same source, Docapesca recently recorded different prices depending on the region. In Quarteira, a kilo of sardines was sold at auction for 2.97 euros, while in Viana do Castelo the price was close to one euro. In supermarkets, the price of fresh sardines is currently around six euros per kilo.
How much does it cost to maintain tradition at the table?
Although many consumers choose to buy sardines to grill at home, thousands still choose restaurants and festivals to celebrate this tradition. The combination between seasonal demand and the costs associated with catering ends up being reflected in the final price of the meals.
The same newspaper writes that a portion consisting of five or six sardines, accompanied by boiled potatoes and salad, can cost between 12 and 18 euros. Still, sardines maintain their status as a gastronomic symbol of Santos Populares. Served fresh from the grill, on a slice of bread and with a drizzle of olive oil, it continues to be a mandatory presence on tables and in festivals from the north to the south of the country, even in a year in which prices are once again making waves.
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