National Gastronomy Festival Santarem in Santarém
The Festival Nacional de Gastronomia has celebrated Portuguese regional cuisine in Santarem every October since 1981, gathering chefs, producers and artisan markets around Casa do Campino. Now past its fortieth edition, it remains one of the country's most established showcases of traditional cheeses, cured meats, convent sweets and regional dishes.
When the first Festival Nacional de Gastronomia was held in Santarem in 1981, Portugal's food culture had not yet become the internationally marketed asset it is today; regional dishes, convent sweets and artisan cheeses largely stayed within the districts that produced them, known mainly to locals and the occasional traveller.