Guia celebrates its unique take on piri-piri chicken – Portugal Resident
The Algarve town of Guia will be showcasing why it is nationally famous for its unique take on charcoal-grilled piri-piri chicken when it hosts its 37th Festa do Frango da Guia from July 29 to August 2.
Held at the Guia multisport field (Polidesportivo da Guia), the five-day festival celebrates the special Frango da Guia recipe, with thousands of visitors expected to enjoy grilled chicken alongside live entertainment, local crafts and family-friendly festivities.
The event opens daily from 7pm, with the 18th Handicrafts Fair once again taking place outside the main venue, bringing together dozens of stalls showcasing traditional crafts and regional products.
Live music will provide entertainment throughout the festival, beginning on Wednesday, July 29, with performances by Rosinha and Emanuel & Tânia.
The programme continues on Thursday, July 30, with Elena Correia and Marco Filipe, followed on Friday, July 31, by Roni de Melo and Rúben Filipe.
On Saturday, August 1, festivalgoers can enjoy performances by Belito Campos and Valter Cabrita, while the final evening, on Sunday, August 2, features Joana D’Arc and a return performance by Emanuel & Tânia.
Organised by Guia Futebol Clube, the festival is supported by the Guia Parish Council, Albufeira Municipal Council, and local businesses.
A national favourite
Known far beyond the Algarve, Frango da Guia has become one of Portugal’s most recognisable dishes, with the village remaining synonymous with charcoal-grilled chicken seasoned with piri-piri, olive oil, garlic and herbs.
While piri-piri chicken is now served across Portugal and around the world, many regard the village of Guia as its birthplace. The dish rose to prominence in the 1960s, when local restaurants began serving chicken grilled over charcoal and basted with their own closely guarded piri-piri sauces. Today, restaurants across Guia continue to prepare their own versions of the recipe, helping make the village a culinary destination for visitors from across Portugal and abroad.
