"These are 10 days in which more than a thousand volunteers from local associations are committed to welcoming visitors to sample the typical gastronomy," the mayor of Rio Maior, Filipe Santana Dias, told the Lusa news agency, considering the "Tasquinhas" "a recipe for success" for this municipality in the Santarém district.

The two dozen stalls – 17 restaurants and three tapas bars – decorated in a rustic style alluding to the history of each parish, are joined by 120 stands dedicated to wine, sweets, and various economic sectors, in a space that, in the last two editions, "exceeded 100,000 visitors," according to the mayor.

“It’s a very important event for the financial viability of our food stalls, which this year also features a new exhibition of posters, from the origin of these stalls to the present day,” he added.

The food stalls, which take place between 27 February and 8 March at the Rio Maior Multipurpose Pavilion, will also be marked by an entertainment program featuring traditional bands and roaming groups that entertain visitors with popular music.

In its 40th edition, the Rio Maior Food Stalls represents an investment of €250,000.

Entry to the event is free from Monday to Thursday and costs €1.50 on the remaining days, with a €0.50 discount for holders of the RM Jovem Card, RM 65 Card, firefighters, Red Cross members, and students from the municipality.

The organisation also offers a three-euro ticket for families (two adults and two children aged 13-17).