Are you one of those people who don't think there's anything to do in the low season, even though you can save some money on your European travel? Well, let me tell you about little Ponte de Lima in the Minho region of northern Portugal. From January 29 to April 22, 2012 there will be an almost constant series of festivals. Here's the schedule:
- January 29/29 - Green Brides & Grooms
- Feb 3/5 - Pig and Sarrabulho Specialities Fair
- Feb 10/12 - Environment and Energies Fair
- Feb/21 Fev - Sales Fair
- March 2/4 - Sarrabulho's Ponto de Lima Style Weekend March
- 9/11 - The first edition of Bacalhau de Cebolada (Fried Cod Fish with Onions) Fair
- April 21/22 April - Craft show
But we're not only talking about festivals, we're talking free Leite Crème, a traditional Portuguese Milk Custard, served at participating restaurants.
And we're not done yet! Nope. Stay three nights during the period in Ponte de Lima and environs and one of the nights can be free! Many of the places offering this special are from Solares de Portugal, who offers Manner Houses, Country Estates, and Rustic Cottages at a very good price. Not sure if you'll like Ponte de Lima? Well, I liked it a lot, but even if you stay just a single night you can get 20% off the cost of a normal night's lodging. Just to try it out I mean. I'm sure you'll like it.
How to plan such a vacation? Read about Ponte de Lima, see the pictures, and then if all sounds good, download the PDF brochure. It's in Portuguese, but scroll to the end for the web and email addresses of the participating restaurants and hotels.
I wish I could meet you in February for the Pig and Sarrabulho, a rice spiked with blood. You didn't think they'd waste it, did you?
Very informative article. And this is what I tell friends and family who want to travel to Europe. Go during the low season to avoid long waits in lines and congested cities. After living in Europe for some time, I have learned this is the best way to travel. Portugal is very beautiful and a place that I would like to maybe one day retire.
Hello, I was born in Ponte de Lima and living in Ponte de Lima, I thank the comments on my land. I just wanted to point out that even the new shows (Feiras Novas) Ponte de lima Party in September there are events almost every weekend as the Horse Fair,(Feira do Cavalo) the Fair of Hunting and Fishing,(Feira de Caça e Pesca) Green Wine Festival,(Festa do Vinho Verde) Wine and Snacks Fair,(Feira dos Vinhos e Petiscos) Antique Fair,(Feira de Antiguidades) Winter Festivals,Festivais de Inverno) all weekends for music groups to act, often in the centenary Diogo Bernardes theater with free entries.
I would also point out that the Fair Pig and Delicias de Sarrabulho (Feira do Porco e delicias de Sarrabulho) there will be nine groups of Ponte de Lima to perform with traditional music.
If you need more information can contact the Municipio de Ponte de Lima with me or without commitment.
You can always search on google fairs I spoke among others.
thank you
José Sendão
jass1@sapo.pt