The village of Cortelha, located in the interior of the municipality of Loulé, will once again host another edition of the Aguardente and Honey Fair on March 14th, an initiative that will take place in the local pavilion and which aims to highlight two of the most emblematic products of Serra do Caldeirão.
In a statement, the Associação dos Amigos da Cortelha explains that the event aims to “highlight and value two excellent products from Serra do Caldeirão, traditionally produced with great dedication and mastery and which continue to have great relevance today, both in terms of social and economic dynamics, and in terms of the region’s tourist projection”.
Walking tour and medronho distillation
The program starts at 9 am, with a walking tour of around 11 kilometers along the trails in the northern part of the parish of Salir.
According to the organizing association, the route will allow participants to discover some of the most characteristic landscapes of the mountain, including passing by medronho distilleries. During the route, hikers will have the opportunity to visit the boilers in operation and closely monitor the cachaça production process.
According to the organization, “hikers will have the opportunity to visit the boilers in full operation and watch live the distillation of the precious nectar, which usually takes place at this time of year”. Registration for the tour is open and can be done at .
Mountain gastronomy and musical entertainment
The arrival of participants at the fair is scheduled for 12pm, a time that coincides with the opening of the exhibitors.
In the restaurant space, various specialties of mountain cuisine will begin to be served, prepared according to traditional recipes and using local and seasonal products. Among the featured dishes are corn porridge and roasted chorizo, among other typical delicacies of the region.
During the afternoon there will be a musical entertainment program that begins with accordionist Filipe Romão. At 4pm, Luís Simenta takes the stage with the “Canta Alentejo” project. Alentejo music will continue to be represented by Grupo D’Abalada, followed at night by a dance led by Emanuel and Tânia.
Featured local products
The fair will be attended by local producers of brandy and honey, as well as farmers and artisans from the region, providing visitors with the opportunity to taste and purchase traditional products.
The Association of Friends of Cortelha also recalls the success of previous editions and highlights that “after the enormous success of previous editions, as a result of the numerous exhibitors present, as well as the support of many visitors, who at this time of year seek the Algarve interior to glimpse the beautiful landscapes, taste the mountain cuisine and enjoy the best uses and customs of Serra do Caldeirão, the Association of Friends of Cortelha is thus preparing yet another initiative that is expected to be highly authentic and well-identified of the Algarve traditions”.
The Cortelha Aguardente and Honey Fair has the support of the Loulé City Council, the Salir Parish Council and the Serra do Caldeirão Gastronomic Confraternity.
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