Alcoutim’s Smugglers' Festival in Portugal

You'll step into a bygone era of secretive trades and risky border crossings at the Smugglers' Festival, in the Portuguese village of Alcoutim. Take part in this annual event, where communities on the Spanish and Portuguese border come together to remember their centuries-old tradition of smuggling and celebrate with live music, historical reenactments and plenty of food stalls. It all started back in the 13th-century when the border was established. The Guadiana River separates the countries and is where smuggling became a way of life for locals to make ends meet, trading goods like tobacco, coffee, flour and other essentials.You'll have transport to and from the festival, where you'll have the chance to cross the floating pedestrian bridge, temporarily connecting Alcoutim, in Portugal, with Sanlúcar de Guadiana, in Spain. Stroll between the two countries, watch as historical reenactments unfold around you and make sure you indulge in the tapas from both sides of the river. You won't help but feel the resilient spirit and the strong community bonds that are at the heart of this festival.