In an edition dedicated to the great scientific inventions that changed the world and with "Science" as its central theme, the 2025 edition of the famous event promises to transform the medieval town into a "laboratory of flavors, in which the art of confectionery merges with innovation and knowledge", announced Óbidos City Council.

According to Expresso newspaper, the event has been curated by Francisco Siopa, executive pastry chef at Penha Longa Resort, the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival will pay tribute to "the great scientific inventions that have changed the world, highlighting their influence on everyday life and, of course, on the production of chocolate itself". The event will showcase everything from the transformation of cocoa to the most advanced confectionery techniques, including showcooking events, competitions and demonstrations of the different ways to enjoy chocolate, whether in traditional sweets or in the preparation of cocktails or with wine or culinary recipes.

Among the main attractions of the event will be chocolate sculptures, with live sculpture dynamics on-site, and a laboratory made entirely of chocolate. In these spaces, and during the three weekends of the festival, several internationally renowned master chocolatiers promise to demonstrate their talent and creativity, presenting pieces inspired by the world of science.

"The presence of training institutes and specialists in the area reinforces the commitment to innovation and technical development, providing the public with the opportunity to explore new approaches, from the art of chocolate to the latest trends in molecular gastronomy", said the chairman of the board of directors of Óbidos Criativa, the company organising the festival, Ricardo Duque.

With more than 80 chefs of different nationalities, the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival is "not only a leisure space but also a platform for knowledge and appreciation of the sector", as can be read in the organisation's statement.

Among the master chocolatiers participating in this edition are Jordi Farrés and Enric Monzoines (both from Chocolate Academy Barcelona), David Gil Rovira (Imasdesserts / Author of the book XOK), Lluc Crussellas (World Chocolate Master 2022), Jorge Cardoso --(Cullinary World Champion in 2018 and 2022), Abner Ivan (Chocolate Academy Brasil), as well as Fábio Bernardino, Cátia Goarmon, Hélio Loureiro and Sahima Hajat (winner of Masterchef Portugal 2022).

This year's festival features a new partnership with Dino Parque da Lourinhã, featuring a play area dedicated to dinosaurs and "offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy fun experiences such as discovering fossils in chocolate, reproducing molecular cooking techniques, creating planets in chocolate and learning about chocolate through the five senses".

The initiative also includes competitions for Best Chocolate Menu in Óbidos restaurants, Best Chocolate Cocktail, Best Chocolate Wedding Cake and Best Homemade Chocolate Cake 2025.

The Óbidos International Chocolate Festival will be open to the public from Friday to Sunday, from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, with tickets costing between €8 (children aged between three and 11) and €10 (over 12s).

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