I’VE written previously about entertainment up here in the Alentejo. Earlier this month we slipped into something summery and set off to Almodovar, our nearest large (for here) town.

The Camera (council) was promoting a Facal, a festival of arts and culture – I quote from the tickets. It featured stalls of local crafts, produce and information plus music of all types.

It was a commercial partnership with Super Bock beers, my favourite, so everything to look forward to. It is held in a large walled arena on the outskirts of the town and parking is no problem. Drive in and find a slot where you can and no charges ... do you think it could catch on in the UK?

We got there about nine when it was just dropping dusk. But there was plenty of lighting both above and on the long rows of stalls. There was everything from pots and plates, fabrics and sewing tackle, carved furniture (external and internal), handmade musical instruments, painters and graphic artists, hardware, automatic garage doors and gates. You name it – it was there along with the maker/supplier.

There was also official representation from the Camera with features on projects to date and future proposals, the rural police force (GNR) doing some recruiting, banks, the bomberos (local volunteer fire and ambulance brigade), clubs and associations and all from different districts in the Alentejo.

My favourite was the numerous local producers of distilled alcohol ... a tradition to be upheld, you understand. The most famous is modronho (pronounced modronia) which is made using the fruit from bushes growing wild on the Campo. It’s about 30° to 50° proof and all sellers had a handy sampler for prospective customers ... hic.

There were a large number of covered eateries with all manner of local cuisine and they were really well patronised. As well as the larger caterers there were a number of confectionary outlets and to be truthful our lass showed admirable restraint.

I did go for a large crepe. The mixture used had the look and lumpiness of a pouring of concrete from my mixer, but it came out fair enough. When asked if I wanted chocolate or strawberry topping, I answered ‘yes thanks’ so it was well decorated.

There were two large stages set out for our late evening entertainment. The first was for local kids and entertainers to show us their prowess (where is Simon Cowell when you need him!) but the main stage was set for ‘Just Girls – Play me Tour.’ They came on around 11.15pm and were still going strong when we left over an hour later. They were very professional and talented and the lighting rig and speaker array was impressive (you could feel it thumping in your chest, you know!)

Never mind The Spice Girls, we had The Garlic Girls. It wasn’t quite The Galpharm concerts (remember them, Brian Adams last, I think!) but hey, at €2 in each for everything and beer at 60 cents a pop, they really had a gigantic edge on value.

We went home with big smiles after a great night out. Like most things out here it wasn’t as polished as the UK, but no worse for that and it was done really wholeheartedly and with the family in mind.

For holiday details contact us at Alcaria.alta@gmail.com