Interior of Odemira once again celebrates the May Festival

Cante Alentejano, gastronomy, crafts and regional products are some of the highlights of the 32nd edition of the May Festivals and 19th Interior Fair of the Municipality of Odemira, which will take place in Amoreiras-Gare, in the parish of São Martinho das Amoreiras, 30th of April and May 5th.

The May Festivities begin on the night of April 30th, with a dance and DJ, and the opening of the event is scheduled for 11 am on May 1st, Thursday, accompanied by a street party with the Odemira Philharmonic Band.

During the afternoon, highlights include the presentation of the book “Mágicos da Viola Campaniça – Pedro Mestre” and the 17th Festival de Cantares ao Desafio e Improviso, with singers from the region, the Azores and Madeira and singers from Minho. The day ends with a musical moment with the group “Os Amantes do Alentejo”.

During the event, promoted by the Association for Local Development of Amoreiras-Gare, with the support of the Municipality of Odemira and the Parish Council of São Martinho das Amoreiras, the usual Exhibition of Crafts and Regional Products will be accompanied by a daily entertainment program filled with traditional music, showcookings of local products and wine tastings.

After a day’s break, the event resumes activities on the morning of May 3rd, with a demonstration of traditional games.

The official opening of the Exhibition “A century of Portugal: Portuguese Confederation of Cultural Recreation and Sports Collectives” is scheduled for 3:30 pm, and a meeting of associations from the municipality of Odemira. Livening up the night will be live music with Luís Contente, a DJ and a party with Projecto Remember Old Times.

On Saturday, Cante Alentejano will be highlighted with the participation of Grupo Coral Vozes Femininas de Amoreiras-Gare, Grupo Coral Infantil de Odemira Cá Se Canta, Grupo Coral Os Moços da Aldeia and Grupo Coral Os Cantadores do Desassossego.

Still in the afternoon, the Folklore Ranch Os Camponeses de S. Francisco takes the stage. From 10pm onwards, a concert with the musical group O Cruzeiro is scheduled, followed by a dance with the band Cristais da Noite.

Sport is also once again highlighted in the May Festivities, which host the Futsal Tournament of the Parish of São Martinho das Amoreiras, on the 4th of May, scheduled for 9am, at the Campo da Antiga Primária School and, on the 1st of May, the 7th Walk “Through the Montado Trails”.

On the last day of the festivities, there will be a Solemn Mass at 10 am. During the morning, the entertainment will be provided by Accordionists and Popular Poets, and the afternoon will be dedicated to traditional Alentejo music, with the Centro da Viola Campaniça, Em Canto and Sol do Torrão Groups, followed by the performance of Rancho Folclórica de Odiáxere.

The festivities end with the Grupo Cantadores do Alentejo, starting at 7pm.