Chouriças Festival brings gastronomic tradition to Querença
In honour of S. Luís, the Festa das Chouriças returns to Querença, on the 20th and 21st of January, to revive one of the oldest traditions in the Algarve interior, a calling card that combines the religious and gastronomic components.
In an initiative promoted by the Parish Festival Committee and the Union of Parishes of Querença, Tôr and Benafim, with the support of the Loulé City Council and the Casa do Povo de Querença, the Festival will begin on the 20th of January, with a Night of Fados. The event will take place at Casa do Povo de Querença, at 9 pm, and will feature the participation of fado singers Sara Paixão and César Matoso.
On Sunday, the 21st, from 11:00 am and during the afternoon, visitors will be able to taste the roasted chorizo in the various establishments in the parish, some with representation in Largo da Igreja de Querença, on the Festa grounds. Between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, the Mercadinho with the exhibition and sale of crafts and local products, representative of the region, opens its doors.
From 11 am to 2 pm, street entertainment is led by the Alfanfare group, followed by a performance by the Grupo de Charolas das Barreiras Brancas. Until 5 pm, children will be able to enjoy the Palhaça Pirolita games.
The religious celebration will begin at 2:30 pm, with the Solemn Mass, presided over by Canon Carlos Aquino, which will be followed by the procession, through the village, with the image of São Luís, accompanied by the Artistas de Minerva Philharmonic Band.
At 4 pm, the usual and always lively chorizo auction will begin, in which the public can participate and purchase the queen of the party, chorizo.
The charismatic couple Ti Gregório and Tia Marquinhas will liven up the venue, interacting with the public, from 4 pm to 6 pm. From 7 pm onwards there will be a dance in the Party Room of the Casa do Povo de Querença, hosted by the artist Rúben Filipe, culminating in the best way possible the Festa das Chouriças’24.
It should be noted that the roots of this event date back to a time when, in the interior of the Algarve, families had the habit of raising their pigs for sustenance throughout the year. It was also a tradition to ask St. Luís, the patron saint of animals, to keep the pig in good condition, to ensure food for the household. As a form of gratitude, families offered the Holy Protector the best homemade sausages. Belief says that in January it is time to glorify the Saint who helped create animals.
Always confirm with the concert hall or promoter the conditions of access, confirmation of the date or time, ticket place of sale, price, and availability.
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