Regional agricultural and cultural fairs drive local economies

Various regional festivals and agricultural fairs are being held across Brazil and Portugal, highlighting local traditions, gastronomy, and small-scale entrepreneurship.

In Brazil, the Oktoberfest Gramado is implementing a solidarity initiative where food donations can be exchanged for concert tickets to benefit vulnerable families. Meanwhile, the 41st Oktoberfest features a Family Agriculture Fair with exhibitors from 29 cities in Rio Grande do Sul, showcasing products like artisanal cheeses and meats. In Porto Alegre, the Acampamento Farroupilha’s Family Agriculture Pavilion reported sales exceeding R$ 1.7 million, driven by interest in traditional regional goods.

Other notable events include the Feira de Sementes Crioulas in Palmeira, which focuses on agrobiodiversity and food sovereignty, and the Feira Sou Sul in Curitiba, which promotes products with Geographical Indication (IG) from the Southern region. In Portugal, the FICA industrial, commercial, and agricultural fair in Castro Daire drew thousands of visitors, combining economic showcases with rural traditions and musical performances.