The XIV Hunting Fair begins today in Mértola, an event promoted by the City Council and which could be the most visited event ever, exceeding fifty thousand visitors.
Over the years the event has grown and this year it presents a very diverse program, being inside and outside the Multipurpose Pavilion where the fair takes place, whether in the various activities around hunting aimed at hunters, but not limited to.
In addition to the live fauna exhibits, hunting packs, hunting demonstration park, of rabbit and parade dogs and falconry, as a novelty the creation of two larger hunting mounts. The municipality’s endogenous products, the bread, the cheese, olive oil, honey and wines are highlighted in a dedicated space where visitors can purchase them.
Known as the "National Capital of Hunting", for the municipality “this event not only celebrates the hunting tradition, but it also highlights the natural beauty of the region and its tourist and economic potential”, highlighted to JN, the president of the Mertolense municipality, Mario Thomas.
Outside the Multipurpose Pavilion there is a pond, simulating the hunting habitat that “was enlarged and a walkway created”, having also “increased the number of gunsmiths in the region and also in Santarém and Madrid”, revealed the mayor.
Mário Tomé reinforces that “all events are more than simple events, always have in mind direct and indirect visitation and its impact, in restoration, hotel and commerce in the municipality”, remembering that in addition to the Hunting Fair, Mértola also has the Islamic Festival as its promotional headquarters , the Rio Fish Festival and the Bread Fair.
“National Hunting Capital”
With a total area of 1292,9 km2 of total area, the land allocated to venatory activity comprises, in the county, next to 90% of the total area of the same. Hunting activity is developed by associative hunting zones, tourist and a municipal.
Teixeira Correia
(journalist)
