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Andorra la Vella's Plaza Guillemó Hosts 11th Portuguese Traditional Market O Feirão

The 11th edition drew crowds to stalls offering Portuguese specialties like pastel de Belém, vinho verde, and bifanas, plus crafts and period-costumed zones blending local and imported goods. Organisers celebrated 30 years of cultural promotion in Andorra.

Key Points

  • Event recreates early 20th-century Portuguese marketplaces with stalls, gastronomy, crafts, and live music.
  • Five themed zones feature fresh produce, homemade cakes, cured meats, olive oil, and farm animals.
  • Folk performances with concertinas invite audience participation for a family atmosphere.
  • Grup de Folklore Casa de Portugal marks 30 years, supported by local council and consulate.

Plaza Guillemó in Andorra la Vella hosted the 11th edition of the Traditional Market O Feirão on Sunday, organised by the Grup de Folklore Casa de Portugal to recreate the atmosphere of early 20th-century Portuguese marketplaces.

The event drew visitors from morning onwards, transforming the square with stalls of traditional products, gastronomy, and live music. Participants wore period attire across five themed zones highlighting Portuguese cuisine, garden produce, and crafts. Highlights included fresh vegetables from local Portuguese community gardens, live farm animals, homemade cakes by group members, and sweets such as pastel de Belém. Stalls also offered olive oil from Trás-os-Montes, cured meats from Alto Minho, corn bread, chorizo bread, and carne brôa. A crafts area displayed handmade goods, while a tavern provided tastings of wines, bacalhau dishes, bifanas, and vinho verde.

José Luis Carvalho, the group's artistic director, noted that Plaza Guillemó has been the venue since the council first made it available, praising its fit for the event's spirit. He emphasised the aim to bring Portugal's summer village markets to Andorra, blending imported items with those grown locally. "We thought it was the best time to bring these products out and share them," he said. Carvalho highlighted O Feirão as one of three major Andorran events showcasing Portuguese food, alongside the Mostra de la Diversitat Cultural and Andorra la Vella Fair.

Beyond the stalls, the morning featured folk performances with concertinas, encouraging audience participation. "We invite people to dance with us, join in, and create that family atmosphere that makes the day meaningful," Carvalho added.

The market received collaboration from Andorra la Vella council and support from the Portuguese Consulate General. This year, the group celebrates 30 years of cultural activities in the Principat.

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