An Algarve tradition celebrates saintly protection for local pigs

(TRAVPR.COM) UK - January 5th, 2012 - Chorizo, the strongly spiced pork sausage beloved of chefs and pizzerias everywhere, has as many recipe variations as places where it is made.

In the Algarve village of Querença, 28th January 2012 recalls a tradition in which rural families raised pigs to supplement their diet through the year. Naturally, the creatures’ survival was important to the families’ wellbeing, so the people of Querença asked St Luis, patron saint of animals, to preserve their pig until the time came to slaughter it.

Preserving the pig thereafter, the Algarvan way is to use dried, smoked red peppers, giving their chouriço sausage a deep red colour and delicious distinctive smokiness that adds depth and flavour to local cuisine.

The natural sausage casings are stuffed with pork, wine, paprika, garlic, red peppers and salt, though no precise standard recipe exists.

On the day of the festival there is live music, and visitors to Querença are welcome to taste the chouriço and join a large al fresco party, serving powerful rustic dishes like Feijoada, a bean stew strongly flavoured with the local sausage.

A ceremony of thanksgiving is made at the church, followed by a procession through the village. Now the pigs’ owners uphold their promise to St Luis, by presenting sausages to the festival where they are auctioned off for charity.

Beer and wine are plentiful, the band plays on, and of course a great deal of chouriço is grilled and enjoyed.

Solmar Villas can provide great value Algarve holiday villas for anyone wanting to enjoy the atmosphere at this unique festival.

To find out more about visiting the Algarve visit http://www.visitalgarve.pt/visitalgarve/vEN/.

About Solmar Villas
Solmar Villas is a family run business, based in the West Midlands, with over 15 years of experience offering high quality villa rentals. Their holiday property portfolio includes the Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, Menorca, Mallorca, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Malta, Cyprus and the Algarve.

All Solmar Villas properties are chosen, inspected and approved by their staff and only those meeting the very highest standards are selected. Every holiday villa has a private swimming pool and is conveniently located within walking distance of beaches, restaurants and amenities. Solmar Villas is ATOL protected and a Member of ABTA. For more information call +44 (0)1283 505 710.

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