FAVA – Algarve Environment and Vegan Fair takes place at Loulé Municipal Park between September 18 and 20, with free entry and over 100 exhibitors. Promoted by the Benfazer association, this is the seventh edition of an event launched in 2018, described by the organization as the largest vegan fair in Portugal, which hopes to welcome thousands of visitors from different regions of the country. The venue covers 14,000 square meters and the exhibitors represent 20 sectors, including agriculture, food, crafts, gardening, books and clothing.
The gastronomy section features over 30 food and drink stalls offering plant-based options, from Portuguese style steak sandwiches, burgers and pizzas to pastries, cakes, tarts and ice creams, as well as teas, smoothies, craft beers and other plant-based beverages. The organization aims to surpass the 4,125 meals served at the previous edition, estimating reaching 5,000 plant-based meals.
The program includes 17 theater, poetry, live music, dance and magic shows, cooking demonstrations, lectures with personalities linked to veganism, and activities such as pilates, yoga, capoeira, tai chi, traditional games and workshops. Domingos Pereira, coordinator of the fair, stated that there are tourists who travel around vegan events across Europe and say they know of nothing similar.
Reuse is present in a clothing, footwear, accessories and books swap market, and in an area dedicated to repairing broken objects. The organization implements environmental measures such as eliminating fuel-powered generators, using compostable or reusable dishware and reusable fabric bags, stating it focuses on reduction, reuse and recycling to minimize the event's environmental impact.
