The unloading, of special relevance to the social and economic history of Portimão and its people, will be broadcast live and can be followed step by step on the social networks of the Municipality of Portimão.

During the recreation, which will allow the vibrant atmosphere of the fish market to be relived in an authentic and engaging cultural experience, three thousand tasting tickets will be offered, including two sardines in bread and a drink, which can be enjoyed in one of the five restaurants run by local associations at the event venue, between the afternoon of 30 July and the closing of the festival, which opens its doors from 6:00 pm to midnight.

The official opening of the Sardine Festival will be presided over by the Secretary of State for Tourism Pedro Machado and is scheduled for 6:45 pm at the bandstand in Praça Manuel Teixeira Gomes, with the participation of the Banda da Sociedade Filarmónica Portimonense and the Fanfarra dos Bombeiros Voluntários de Portimão.

Following the success of the 2023 experience, one of the new features of this year's festival will be the holding of three show cookings, with the participation of Nuno Martins (executive chef and co-manager of the NUMA Restaurant – Michelin Guide 2024 recommendation) on 31 July, José Moura (executive chef of the Tivoli Lagos Algarve Resort and trainer at the Portimão Hotel and Tourism School) on 2 August and José Lopes (executive chef of the Bon Bon Restaurant, with one Michelin Guide Star), on 3 August.

The show cookings, promoted by the Confraria dos Gastrónomos da Sardinha, will take place from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm next to the Lounge Area, and visitors will be able to taste the recipes prepared by the chefs, whose main ingredient will be sardines.

Another change in this year's edition concerns the Sardine Stage, which was previously located next to the food court, and which has now moved to the main stage due to the large number of attendees. This provides the artists with a larger and more dignified space, also with the aim of ensuring the well-being of those dining and those wishing to enjoy musical entertainment.

But the new features don't stop there, and the Lounge Area itself has been expanded, presenting a new image that celebrates the centenary of Portimão's elevation to city status, while maintaining its characteristics as a welcoming and relaxing space, where competitions will also be held and it will function as an information point.

Among the many attractions of the 28th Sardine Festival, the highlight is the enticing programme on the Main Stage, with the following line-up: Áurea (30 July); Sara Correia (31 July); Anjos (1 August); Richie Campbell (2 August); Marisa Liz (3 August); Delfins (4 August).

All information regarding the event, which has free entry and is once again organized by the Municipality of Portimão, can be found on the municipality's official website.