If you love chocolate, then indulge in the decadence of the 15th Annual Óbidos International Chocolate Festival! This highly anticipated event attracts chocolate lovers and artisan chocolatiers from around the world to Óbidos, Portugal, for 12 days of pure bliss.
Every bite-sized piece and plated delicacy is carefully handcrafted using the freshest, most luxurious ingredients. You will sample chocolates from different latitudes and longitudes, as well as participate in activities sprinkled throughout the festival.
Create new entrees and desserts in culinary classes. Discover how notable chefs and pastry-makers craft their tasty masterpieces. Take selfies with one-of-a-kind chocolate sculptures. Then secure a front row seat for specialty competitions, such as the “Chocolatier of the Year” and the “International Competition of Chocolate Recipes.”
Even the youngest members of your party will enjoy the festival fun. The “Kids’ Chocolate House” features a kitchen and easy-to-follow recipes that can be made on site.
Explore Óbidos, Portugal
The International Chocolate Festival, Portugal’s oldest, most prestigious of its kind, is set in the picturesque village of Óbidos. Stroll along its cobbled streets lined with traditional homes, neighbourhood restaurants, quaint shops, and lively bars. Admire Óbidos’ main gate which is decorated with traditional azulejos tiles and tells the story of the Passion of Christ. Tour the castle-turned-hotel. Chat with the locals. Then share your online photos and videos with friends and family – we promise that they will be ready to join you for the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival in 2018!
Hours of Operation and Ticket Information
The International Chocolate Festival is open every Friday through Sunday from March 10 to April 2, 2017. Hours are from 11:00 to 20:00. Tickets can be purchased online. Prices are € 6.00/adult (ages 12+) and € 3.00/child (ages 6-11). Children age five and under are admitted without charge when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Group tickets are also available for parties of 15 or more. Groups tickets are € 5.00/person. Online group reservations and prepayment are required.
Tips for Festival Fun
As you plan your outing to the International Chocolate Festival, consider these helpful tips:
- Consult the daily weather report, and dress accordingly.
- ATMs, public restrooms, and baby changing facilities are scattered throughout the village.
- The information booth, Posto de Turismo, is located next to the main car parking lot, about 200 meters from the entrance of the village of Óbidos.
- Changing rooms are located in the Solar de la Plaza de Santa Maria (Municipal Museum) and in the Castle’s Fence.
- The pathways are well-worn and uneven in some places. This can cause some accessibility restrictions, especially for those who rely on wheelchairs and pushchairs
- Wear sensible footwear to walk off the calories on the cobblestone streets!
So mark your calendars, and bring a friend! We will see you this spring at the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival.
To learn more about this must-experience event, as well as others that are taking place around the world, contact us today! And be sure to check out our portfolio of luxury, personally inspected, hosted rental homes in hand-picked locations in Portugal, Spain, and Mexico.
