The pedestrian crossing on the floating bridge over the Guadiana River “is a unique opportunity to cross on foot the line separating the two countries, reviving the thrill” of those who once “challenged the waters under the cover of night,” according to a statement from the Alcoutim City Council.
The event, inspired by smuggling stories that have shaped the identity of this cross-border region, “invites people to feel the history, discover the traditions, and be enveloped by the genuine spirit of this land of encounters and exchanges,” the statement reads.
The festival recreates in Alcoutim and Sanlúcar de Guadiana an old-time rural market, featuring exhibitors of traditional crafts and trades as well as dining areas, highlighting the typical cuisine of both regions.
Over the three days, from Friday to Sunday, the event includes a cultural and entertainment program featuring interactive shows, street theater, and music.
Organizers say “every corner of the towns comes to life,” transporting visitors to a time when “cunning and survival shaped the daily lives of the riverside populations.”
Created and managed by the Alcoutim municipality, the festival is one of the largest cultural attractions in the county and a significant driver of the local economies of both the Portuguese and Spanish villages.
The initiative, free for all participants, promises “to surprise visitors of all ages, transforming the streets of these two border towns into a stage of unforgettable experiences,” concludes the statement from the Alcoutim City Council.
