The medieval town of Óbidos is one of the country’s most beautiful and picturesque – the Chocolate Fair is yet another reason to visit.
The gluttonous and curious meet every year in the town of Óbidos for one of Portugal’s most popular gastronomic events: the Chocolate Fair. For nearly three weeks (6th – 22nd March), within the walls, the historic centre adapts to the theme of the event, bringing together chefs, producers and specialised brands, attracting both the occasional visitor and true chocolate enthusiasts.
Programme and hands-on experiences
The fair is usually organised around an annual theme that guides exhibitions, sculptures and activities. Among the highlights are life-sized chocolate sculptures, created by guest chocolatiers, which can weigh up to hundreds of kilos and take days to prepare.
Here and there, there are culinary demonstrations with various experts presenting tempering techniques, artisanal production and new trends in the field. Usually, there are chocolate-related workshops on different subjects and for different ages.
Wherever you look, there’s chocolate at various tastings. It’s interesting to work out what you’re trying – single-origin chocolates, combinations with wine or liqueurs, and recipes inspired by traditional Portuguese desserts reinterpreted with chocolate – and discover the differences, with all the possible nuances.
Óbidos beyond the festival
Visiting the fair is best done on foot, which allows visitors to get to know the town while perusing the various parts of the event. Among the activities, it’s worth checking out the traditional bakers and historic bookshops, visiting the towers or exploring the local shops that sell regional produce, ceramics and handcraft. There is also the ginjinha liquor, which is served in a chocolate cup and has become one of the fair’s gastronomical icons.
Handy tips for visitors
The Chocolate Fair usually takes place between the end of winter and the beginning of spring, which means it’s best to buy tickets in advance, especially for the weekend. During weekdays or early morning, moving around is easier, as is doing the planned activities.
Where to stay for the event
Staying at a hotel in the medieval town of Óbidos allows visitors to explore the festival at their leisure and make the most of the town, when there are fewer people, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon, not to mention being able to rest between activities. Whether you choose a historic pousada or an independent house with everything you need, the best location is guaranteed.
In addition to being in the epicenter of the Óbidos Chocolate Fair, guests are also strategically close to various sights in the Oeste region, such as the Atlantic beaches, Lagoa de Óbidos and the surprising town of Caldas da Rainha – destinations that invite you to stay longer and explore the terrain beyond the well-known walls.
