Out of the Blue, the future of gastronomy, tourism, and the ocean economy
Matosinhos hosts guided visits, talks, and workshops at an event dedicated to gastronomy and ocean sustainability
The Out of the Blue event takes place from October 23 to 26 with programming dedicated to foreseeing the future of gastronomy, tourism, and the ocean economy. The free activities, open to the community, are centred around the Matosinhos Market but extend to other spaces in the city, culminating in a large street fair.
How can we sustainably harness the resources that the Oceans provide for food, economy, and tourism? The search for answers is the starting point for Out of the Blue. The event brings together various researchers, chefs, and specialists in themes such as gastronomy, sustainability, and the ocean economy for discussions and dining.
Due to its long tradition and industry linked to the sea, Matosinhos is the host city for Out of the Blue, helping to position Northern Portugal as a preferred destination for gastronomic and sustainable tourism.
Under the motto “the answer lies in the Ocean,” Out of the Blue “aims to highlight the importance of marine resources for the coming decades, as a source of food and also leisure,” explains Carlos Martins, head of Opium, the organization running the event, with support from Turismo de Portugal and in partnership with the Matosinhos City Hall. “We want Out of the Blue to be a space for sharing and experimentation for residents and locals, always with the Ocean as the connecting point,” he adds.
The event’s program starts at the Matosinhos Market. On October 23 and 26, there is free entry for educational activities for schools and families, showcookings, workshops, and tastings with local products.
Also at the Market, starting at 6 PM, there is a daily immersive experience to see and hear. The multimedia projection Under the Blue recreates the ocean floor, transporting visitors to the underwater world.
On October 24 and 25, the market will also host discussions with experts regarding topics such as fish-based or sea plant-based diets, the past and future of ocean gastronomy, the role of women in local food systems, and today’s challenges for cities. Each free-entry conversation has an associated tasting related to the topic being discussed.
In other spaces in the city, there are thematic guided tours with free entry. The four visiting experiences combine the exploration of the geography and gastronomy of Matosinhos, passing through places like Lota de Matosinhos, Fábrica de Conservas Pinhais, CIIMAR (Cruise Terminal), and Leça da Palmeira. These experiences also include dinners at restaurants like Casa de Chá da Boa Nova – the only paid access moments in the event.
The final celebration of the event takes place on October 26, at a community street party, from 12 PM to 10 PM. The Great Fish Fair closes a section of Rua Heróis de França to give it a new life: a community table where local restaurants will serve freshly prepared fish dishes while music enlivens the space.
“In Matosinhos, gastronomy goes beyond the pleasure of taste. It is a city where gastronomy intertwines tradition with creativity, and where flavour meets sustainability. All this, combined with the city’s intrinsic connection to the industry and economy of the sea, makes Matosinhos the perfect setting to host Out of the Blue,” states Luísa Salgueiro, Mayor of Matosinhos.
The activities of Out of the Blue are free to access (except for restaurants), with pre-registration required for some moments. The complete program will be available soon on the website.
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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