Islamic Festival

Islamic Festival

May (odd-numbered years)MÉrtola, Portugal, is the site of an Islamic Festival that takes place over four days in May in odd-numbered years. The event celebrates the cultures and peoples of northern Africa and features a wide array of Arab photography, art, cinema, handicrafts, dance, and theater. Seminars cover a variety of subjects, from language to cuisine. Most events are held in the historic town center, which takes on the feel of a "souk," or Arabic market or bazaar. The event is organized by the town council, with the aim of uniting the Portuguese, Spanish, and Islamic cultures that converge in the town's rich history. Thousands of visitors flock to the festival, which launched in 2001.
CONTACTS:
Portuguese National Tourist Office
590 5th Ave., 4th Fl.
New York, NY 10036
800-767-8842 or 646-723-0200; fax: 212-764-6137
www.visitportugal.com