History of the Algarve Almond Blossom Festival in Alta Mora
The Algarve Almond Blossom Festival was born in 2020 as an initiative of the Recreational, Cultural, and Sports Association of the Friends of Alta Mora (ARCDAA). The goal was to promote the Algarve’s interior, valuing its natural, cultural, and ethnographic richness.
The central theme of the festival, the Almond Blossom, celebrates one of the region’s best-known identity marks, immortalized in the famous Legend of the Almond Blossom.
Evolution of the Festival
The event originated from the Walking Tours, organized by ARCDAA since 2005. With a modest start of about 50 participants, it quickly gained popularity. In 2020, the festival reached a significant milestone, welcoming over 1,000 hikers, establishing itself as a cultural event of reference.
Cultural and Tourist Impact
The main objective of the Almond Blossom Festival is to revitalize one of the most depopulated areas of the Algarve’s interior, combating desertification and promoting local identity. Each edition gathers thousands of visitors, establishing itself as a cultural meeting point during the low season in the Algarve.
Experiences and Activities
Over three days, visitors can enjoy:
• Walking tours along trails surrounded by almond blossoms;
• Street Market, with dozens of local producers and artisans;
• The recreation of the Artisan Village, an authentic space where artisans revive traditional techniques;
• Studios and Workshops, including almond tree planting, traditional bread and cheese making;
• Typical gastronomy with a special highlight on the giant almond tart, which grows 1 meter with every edition (43 meters in 2025).
A Project of Unity
Organized by over 100 volunteers, the festival reflects the love for the homeland and the community spirit of the inhabitants of Alta Mora.
