The XVII edition of the festival is being held in the historic town of Óbidos in Leiria and will be held until 5 May.

According to organisers, one of the highlights of the festival is the chocolate statue of the Juventus footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, created by Eduardo Cerqueira, a pastry chef and cake designer from Quinta do Conde in Sesimbra.

Five confectioners from Óbidos, Caldas da Rainha and Bombarral have been working since the beginning of March under the guidance of 'chocolatier' Abner Ivan (Brazil) to produce seven more sculptures, among them the Olympic rings, carved in chocolate by the chef himself.

In a year marked by news that the festival has returned to the 11 consecutive days format, the sculptures will be visible to the public "in a mega tent covering almost 700 square metres."

Guests to the festival can also enjoy watching the chocolatiers during live show cooking sessions and workshops, while there are specific activities designed for children between the ages of three and 12.

For further information about the festival, please visit www.festivalchocolate.cm-obidos.pt