In its 14th edition, the initiative brings together 48 confectioners and is thus “the largest confectionery exhibition in the country in terms of the number of exhibitors”, with representation from north to south of Portugal and, for the first time, with the presence of the Azores and Madeira, in addition to international representatives, announced the head of the Culture Division of Coimbra City Council, Rafael Nascimento.

The event has, internationally, stands from Spain (Salamanca, Zamora and Santiago de Compostela) and France (Aix-en-Provence).

The 14th Conventual and Contemporary Sweets Exhibition of Coimbra takes place on the 22nd and 23rd of March, in different areas of the Convent of São Francisco (CSF).

Rafael Nascimento explained that one of the new features of this edition is the opening of the CSF Cloister to host the initiative.

The space will house confectioners and will have a ‘lounge’ area, aiming, in addition to safety and comfort, to “open up contact and the possibility of enjoying a heritage” that the Convent possesses to the public.

Throughout the weekend of March 22nd and 23rd, in addition to sweets and two craft breweries, the public will be able to enjoy activities such as ‘workshops’, one of which is aimed at children, on Sunday, and an artistic program, with two shows scheduled to take place.

The program also includes knowledge and tasting workshops, promoted by the Coimbra Hotel and Tourism School and the Coimbra Confectioners Association, in addition to the “Twinned Sweets” activity, which is also taking place for the first time and where the public will be able to learn about the Spanish way of making almond cake.

In addition to permanent entertainment, the Exhibition will “value intangible heritage” with a craft exhibition.

The mayor of Coimbra, José Manuel Silva, throughout the conference, argued that events of this type “are only possible with partnerships”, revealing an investment of 63 thousand euros.

“The Exhibition has been growing, invading other parts of the Convent”, said the mayor, highlighting the implementation of the tourist tax, “a healthy source of income”, to promote events that make Coimbra more attractive.

The 14th Exhibition of Conventual and Contemporary Sweets of Coimbra will take place at the Convento São Francisco, between 2 pm and 10 pm on March 22nd and between 10 am and 8 pm the following day.