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Fancy an espadata or piri-piri chicken, washed down with sangria or Dão, and perhaps followed by a small Poncha da Madeira? Then the People’s Park could be the place for you this weekend.
It’s that time of year again – when you get the chance to feast on authentic Portuguese food outdoors – and get to enjoy the culture of one of the most important nations to have influenced the island.
The annual Portuguese Food Festival opened on Thursday, and runs through until Monday - and, if previous festivals are anything to go by it’s likely to attract hundreds of visitors this weekend.
More than a dozen stalls are serving up food from mid-morning until the early evening. There are also a number of attractions for youngsters, and a stage where there’ll be live performances from both local and visiting musicians.
Pictured: An espadata or Portuguese skewer is just one of the many delicacies on sale at the food festival.
There’s a £1 entry fee, which organisers say helps cover their cost of hire of the site, security, and the erection of infrastructure. The ticket price also enters you into a daily draw for a free flight to Madeira.
It’s estimated that about almost 5% of the island’s population are Portuguese or have Portuguese roots – mainly from Madeira. Many came to live in the island to work in agriculture just after the Second World War. Others found jobs in the hospitality industry. Portuguese restaurants are now some of the most highly regarded places to eat in the island.
In 2008, St. Helier officially twinned with the Madeiran capital, Funchal. Events like the food festival aim to draw both communities closer together.
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