Countdown has started for the 8th edition of Lota Cool, the “Coolest market in the South”.
One of the most anticipated events in Portimão, the riverside market marks the beginning of summer in the city.
Based on environmental awareness with a “Blue Fever” theme, this year’s pop-up market takes place between July 5 and 9 by Portimão’s old riverside fish market.
A “bigger and more dynamic event” this year, Lota Cool now features the “Young Cool Vibe” area in the Jardim Visconde Bivar, a space dedicated to young artisans where they give small workshops on their art in the late afternoons.
There is the usual catering area with food trucks and small vehicles in the square in front of the old fish market, where artisan and local producers’ stalls are set up and the Choque Frontal ao Vivo stage features live concerts every night.
This year, the crafts and new design brands inspire visitors to reuse and recycle materials that have gained a new life through their art. Crafts include crochet and macramé, clothing, botanical jewellery, and natural cosmetics.
The Happy Van, a VW minivan Photobus, is set up to capture the event’s greatest memories. There is also henna painting and inflatables for children.
Original food trucks offer a great choice of street food, ranging from vegan and vegetarian food to hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, empanadas and sweet and savoury crepes. To accompany these delicious flavours, drinks include renowned Alentejo Black Pig gin, ginja cherry liqueur served in chocolate cups, Granny’s Flavor Algarve liqueurs and the region’s best wines.
The Lota Cool pop-up market takes place by Portimão’s old fish market, between July 5 and 9, from 18:00 and 01:00. Entry is free.