The XXXIV Regional Products Fair and Exhibition, known as the Harvest Festival, ended in Vila Verde, establishing itself as a major celebration of the rural world, popular culture, and the region's products. The event saw strong public attendance throughout five days of intensive programming.
A highlight of the final day was the XXIX Concertina Players' Gathering, which brought together 36 groups from various regions, including Vila Verde, Amares, Braga, Barcelos, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Serra d’Arga, and Celorico de Basto. The gathering was marked by camaraderie and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge.
The President of the Municipal Chamber of Vila Verde, Júlia Rodrigues Fernandes, assessed the edition as a success, emphasizing the strong participation and involvement of various entities and partners. "It was an excellent five days, with thousands of people in Vila Verde. We lived and felt our roots and our culture," she stated, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere as a key factor in attracting visitors.
Fernandes considered this to be one of the festival's largest editions, benefiting from a diverse program, favorable weather conditions, and significant participation. The event's authenticity, the valorization of roots and popular culture, combined with networking and cooperation, were pointed out as key success factors.
Throughout the five days, the venue hosted livestock and poultry breed exhibitions, competitions, gastronomy, crafts, music, folklore, and initiatives to promote local traditions. Highlights included the Gastronomic Festival, the Festa do “Caurdo”, the Municipal Folklore Festival, and nights dedicated to 'desgarrada' (traditional improvised singing).
Competitions for Crafts, Honey, Marmalade, Broa (cornbread), Pica-no-Chão à Moda de Vila Verde, Regional and Municipal Livestock, and National Poultry Breeds, along with the first Bordaleira Sheep Competition (Entre Douro e Minho and Churra do Minho), recognized the quality of products and local know-how, acknowledging the work of farmers, producers, and artisans in preserving the agricultural and cultural identity of the municipality.
The Municipality of Vila Verde thanked all associations, institutions, producers, artisans, cultural groups, partners, workers, volunteers, and visitors who contributed to the success of this edition.
