The 15th edition of the Feira do Cogumelo e do Medronho is organised by the Chamber of Almodôvar, in the district of Beja, with “full houses” expected, the vice-president of the Alentejo municipality, Ana Carmo, told Lusa agency.

“This weekend, all roads, once again, will lead to São Barnabé, where we have a set of very appealing activities in the [fair] program and we hope to have a full house,” she said.

This year, the fair, which is being held in partnership with the Parish Council of São Barnabé, will have as its motto “Recursos da Serra: Challenges for the Future”, taking into account the effects of climate change on local mushroom and medronho production.


“We have less arbutus fruit due to water scarcity and warming. And we also have mushroom production far below what our expectations would be”, highlighted Ana Carmo.

According to the elected official, these issues will be discussed during a colloquium scheduled for Saturday afternoon, starting at 2:30 pm.

Before, at 11:00, the official opening of the fair takes place, with the participation of the choral groups Vozes da Aldeia and Estevas em Flor.

The fair's program has a great emphasis on music, with performances, on Saturday, by José Malhoa and Rui Soares & Lau and, on Sunday, by Cristina Sá & Companhia and Duo Kontraste.

The 15th Mushroom and Medronho Fair also features street entertainment, show cooking, fire shows and restaurant space, as well as displays of traditional products and crafts.