The 21st edition of the festival is committed to “providing a pleasant experience for all members of the family, including those with four legs”, the Óbidos Chamber announced, explaining that among the new features of the event is “an area dedicated to 'pet sitting'.”

In a statement about the event, which annually attracts thousands to the town in the district of Leiria, the municipality informs that “visitors can bring their pets and enjoy the festival with the peace of mind of knowing that their dogs are well cared for by experienced professionals.”

Considered “one of the most exciting attractions” of the festival, the chocolate sculpture exhibition promises this year “impressive works of art, entirely made of chocolate”, created by chefs chocolatiers Francisco Siopa, Jorge Cardoso, Lluc Cruselas and José Maria Ribé and others.

The exhibition will feature “intricate replicas of local monuments” and “fantastic creations inspired by imagination”, among the sculptures that “will certainly dazzle visitors”, says the municipality.


In the 2024 edition, the event will also once again feature an area dedicated to little ones who, according to the organization, will find there “the opportunity to become true master chocolatiers”.

The festival also promises a diverse cultural program “to entertain visitors of all ages”, including live musical performances, dance demonstrations and theatrical performances, among other initiatives.

The International Chocolate Festival is an annual event whose first edition took place in 2002 and which, according to the organization, aims to “promote the local community, offer unique experiences to visitors and support the region's talented chocolatiers and pastry chefs and of the country, as well as functioning as a showcase of the best that is done in Portugal and in the world”.

The festival will be open to the public from Friday to Sunday.

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