A visit to Moncarapacho market, which takes place on the first Sunday of every month, provides a wonderful glimpse into Portuguese country life. Here you rub shoulders with the locals as well as the ever growing tourist population. In the years that we’ve been attending we have seen a massive growth on the latter.
The market is enormous, and attracts residents from all over the East Algarve. and spread over a large area within the town. It’s easy to miss some of the rows of vendors if you’re not paying attention. We almost missed all the far vendors today as they were blocked off by an area of very active (and smoky) outdoor grills laden with piri piri chicken, porc ribs, and a few unidentifiable morsels. In truth, there’s very little you cannot get here, including live ducks and chickens. I watched an old woman reach into a cage and grab a very large protesting rooster by the neck and pack him into a box. All the while he was cackling and flapping his wings….she didn’t bat an eye and the rooster didn’t have a change in hell of getting away!
There was lots of local honey and we bought a large bag of fabulous olives that of course we were encouraged to taste test..
And so, with that introduction I will simply let you look at, and hopefully enjoy the photos.
I don’t like to focus on anything negative but I do have to say, today was the first time in my many years of being here where I was told not to take photos and was asked for, and of course refused, to pay for photos I had taken. Generally most were wonderful about it but the fact that it occurred four times during my wanderings indicated a change in the air, one that I didn’t appreciate. Perhaps a note to self……next market smile and ask if it’s ok to take a shot before I actually take one? Sugar or vinegar?
how times have changed. I remember some very photogenic folks when I was there. Glad I took them with their permission. And free. I guess everyone is struggling a bit more than 5 years ago. Ground hog day here ..overcast so maybe we will have an early spring. Hugs to you both.
Ground Hog Day….WOW…..already.
my stomach rumbled,… on pic #3, can you remember when they were called steppeens ( spelled as it was said lol)
Oh my God that made me laugh…I had to read it out loud to get it and YES, I do remember
Well, I’d very much like to think the first Sunday in March I will be at the Moncarapacho Market! 🤞 Looks fabulous and intriguing! I am already saying to myself, “Need or want?” I hope I pack lots of discipline! Markets are such great fun, lively, colourful and fresh, in addition to the interesting people watching opportunities! Can’t wait! 🤪
We’ve already discussed it and for you two it will be Estoi the second Sunday of the month, March 9th. It’s a much better market and probably will be more fun for both of you to see Estoi again. I know you’ll love it.
I love the markets throughout Portugal and Spain and find I really need to restrain myself and settle for snacking and people watching. On second thought, I need one of those hats …..
Great photos.
LOL. WE can easily pick you up one of those hats!! Be careful what you wish for