Ílhavo Cuttlefish Festival | Ilhavo
Celebration
The inaugural Cuttlefish Festival will be held from April 9th to 12th in the Henri Keita Maya Garden in the center of Ilyabo. The menu, meticulously designed by Chef Patricia Borges, will feature dishes such as cuttlefish stew and fried cuttlefish. "Prego de choco" (a type of steak sandwich) is an original creation for this inaugural event. During the four-day festival, visitors will enjoy a diverse program combining food, culture, and education. An exhibition on artisanal fishing at the mouth of the Aveiro River, curated by the Ilyabo Maritime Museum, will also be held, exploring themes such as biology, history, fishing communities, and the region's development. This project includes a roundtable discussion on "Food as a Sustainable Tourism Asset," as well as other thematic workshops focusing on international cuisine, seafood, chocolate, confectionery, and craft beer. A series of initiatives aimed at exploring this culinary heritage and its quality and authenticity will also be conducted during the festival. A series of special tours will be offered during the Cuttlefish Festival. A visit to the fish market is planned for Friday, April 10th, and visits to the Ilyavo Maritime Museum are scheduled for Saturday, April 11th, and Sunday, April 12th. Additionally, a special visit will be arranged on the morning of Sunday, April 12th, as part of the Port Aveiro anniversary celebrations.