Craft, Tourism, Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Fair of Lagoa

The Feira de Artesanato, Turismo, Agricultura, Comércio e Indústria de Lagoa (FATACIL), the Craft, Tourism, Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Fair of Lagoa, occurs annually (since 1980) for 10 days in August in the Parque de Feiras e Exposições (Fair and Exhibition Grounds) of Lagoa (Algarve).

The fair is attended each year by thousands of visitors from all parts of the country (the last few years the attendance has been about 180,000), not only because of their interest in promoting traditional arts and crafts which are on the edge of extinction, but also for the shows which occur daily.

Recently there have been about 800 exhibitors of various products appealing to a wide range of interests of those who appreciate the arts and crafts of Portugal generally, and of the Algarve in particular: articles made of everything from textiles to copper and forged iron; lacework; artifacts made of wood; pottery and ceramics; cork items; basket work; or the typical Algarve puppets of Martim Longo and Querença.

All are quality products made by the best craftspeople. As well, those who wish to sample traditional Algarve gastronomy will find here genuine enchidos or sausages (morcela and flour), and ham products; regional sweets made of figs, almonds and flour; dried fruit; aguardente or brandy made from medronho berries and fig liqueur; and sheep’s cheese.

At the fair it is possible to meet craftspeople from all around the world, as well as the most recent innovations in the commercial sector, in industry, and in animal husbandry. It is an opportunity to get to know what is being offered by such distinct groups as local governments schools, social institutions, organizations sponsored by the central and regional governments, collectives, and regional tourist authorities. It is also possible to enjoy a variety of good music while appreciating different typical dishes in the various restaurants set up in the music enclosure.