Veggie Fest Portugal is back in Invicta and promises three days of sharing, good conversations, recipes, learning and lots of snacks. The event, dedicated to food and well-being, invites not only vegetarians, but also the curious who are looking to learn more about vegetarianism, in its various forms, and sustainability. Admission is free. 

With the start of another school year and the return to work, this year's theme is "Veggie Restart", promising healthy tips related not only to food, but also to mental health. Learning how to deal with anxiety and depression, managing family meals in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, how to supplement nutritional deficits and even how to eat quality comfort food are some of the themes of the festival's various activities and initiatives.

The biggest festival dedicated to vegetarianism and sustainability returns to Porto with showcookings, talks, an ecological market, masterclasses and 40 exhibitors related to vegetarianism, health and sustainability. Veggie Fest takes place next week, between September 22 and 24, at Shopping Cidade do Porto (Bom Sucesso, Boavista).

On the first day of the festival, Friday, September 22, the stage opens with a vegetarian breakfast and brunch showcooking. In the same format, visitors are invited to watch healthy desserts and vegetarian comfort food being made. The public is also invited to discover what foodblogger Ana Sofia Rosado eats in a day.

On Saturday, September 23, the day begins with an activity by Celeiro, a leading brand in healthy and sustainable products. Experts such as Sandra Gomes Silva, nutritionist and co-author of manuals launched by the Directorate-General for Health, and doctor Júlia Ferreira Rebelo are invited to talk about how food affects cognition and mental health and how to switch to a plant-based diet after a serious health problem. The program will be followed by a showcooking session that will introduce you to numerous delicious and healthy vegan snacks. The day ends with a session on plants and how to deal with pests, given by Sofia Manuel, known as A Tripeirinha.

The last day of the festival, Sunday, September 24, will be marked by talks on different topics: vegetarian options in school and university canteens, by Nuno Alvim, President of the Portuguese Vegetarian Association, the motivations for being vegetarian, by Heitor Lourenço, a well-known Portuguese actor, and how to move from a sedentary lifestyle to an active and healthy one, by Filipa Range, founder of the blog "A Cozinha Verde" (The Green Kitchen). With families in mind, Plant-Based Chef Luisa Mafei, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, London, is hosting a showcooking session that teaches quick recipes for babies and children, but which will also appeal to older people.

Spread across the floors of Shopping Cidade do Porto, next to Mercado do Bom Sucesso, there will be 40 Portuguese exhibitors and brands focused on vegetarianism and the circular economy. From sweet and savory options, such as vegan sausages, coffee and spices, the food proposals are spread throughout the space. To complement this, there are also several initiatives presenting their teas and infusions. 

Veggie Fest Portugal also has an Eco Market, where visitors will be able to see different national and international brands and projects, from a wide variety of areas and with an extensive range of products, from clothing and accessories, ecological lifestyle products, natural cosmetics and personal hygiene, decoration, nutritional supplements, organic and healthy food, among others.

The three-day event begins with activities that promote physical exercise, with open classes in yoga, tai-chi and pilates, among other disciplines. Veggie Fest Portugal takes place over the weekend of September 22-24, from 10am to 10pm. 

Admission is free.