Yearly city celebration event
Alcobaça Fair: A Five-Day Celebration of Portuguese Heritage
Get ready for a vibrant cultural extravaganza as the Alcobaça Fair, also known as the Saint Bernard Fair, returns to Portugal from the 20th to the 24th of August. This five-day late-summer festival, held in the picturesque town of Alcobaça, is a lively fusion of historic tradition, music, gastronomy, and cultural exhibitions.
The event pays tribute to the region's deep cultural roots and long-standing Cistercian heritage, with the festivities honouring Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a key figure of the Cistercian Order and a spiritual symbol of the region. The fair coincides with the historic São Bernardo Fair, which has been celebrated for over eight centuries.
The Alcobaça Fair is not just a music event, but also features food stalls, funfair rides, exhibitions from local businesses, and a wide range of entertainment. Visitors can sample traditional Portuguese dishes, local specialties, and enjoy the convivial food environment that highlights small-town hospitality.
The fair acts as a cultural crash course where visitors can engage with Alcobaça’s Cistercian legacy and local heritage through exhibitions and family-friendly programming centered around history, arts, and crafts, giving insight into the town’s rich background.
Music enthusiasts will be delighted by the diverse lineup of live performances, including chart-topping artists such as Mariza, Dillaz, Gabriel "O Pensador", Fernando Daniel, The Gift, and special performances from the Coral and the Amália Hoje project. Live music will fill the air throughout the week, with DJs, local bands, orchestras, and community philharmonic groups adding to the festive atmosphere.
The event is organized by Alcobaça Town Council and is easily accessible via Lisbon’s rail network. English-speaking services are available to assist expats and tourists, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all. The festival's walkable layout between key town squares (Rossio and Cova da Onça) makes it easy to explore and enjoy the various offerings.
So, mark your calendars and join the celebration as Alcobaça transforms into a lively carnival, showcasing the best of Portuguese heritage. The Alcobaça Fair is a key event to experience the heart and soul of this Cistercian town in Portugal.
Experience the fusion of business, lifestyle, food-and-drink, entertainment, and music at the Alcobaça Fair, where local businesses showcase their offerings alongside traditional food, live performances, and cultural exhibitions. Delve into the rich history and heritage of the town through family-friendly programming centered around history, arts, and crafts.
