The municipality of Montijo is divided into two regions of differing characteristics: the one surrounding the city, with its strong links to the Tagus, and the hinterland around Canha and Pegoes, with its strong Alentejan and Ribatejan traits. The latter is noted for its excellent fruit and wines, prized as being among Portugal's best.

Advantage should be taken of a trip through the municipality to try the cooking based on its proximity to the Tagus that makes the best possible use of the products of the estuary: eels, clams, sole, sea bass and charroco, a kind of horse mackerel. The fisherman's fish stew and the fried eels with bread paps are unforgettable. As far as meat is concerned, don't miss the loin of pork with bread paps or the spareribs with fried bread paps.

ST. PETER'S FESTIVAL
In Montijo, the St Peter's celebrations, which together with Lisbon's St Anthonyand Oportos St John form a part of the cycle of summer festivals dedicated to the popular saints, emanate from the religiosity of the regions men of the sea.

Peter, himself a fisherman, is greatly celebrated on June 29th and 30th, in keeping with a tradition that was started by a brotherhood of fishermen from Aldeia Galega. The highlight of the first day involves a lively, colourful procession on the river, in which the image of the saint is carried by boat accompanied by a veritable fleet of bedecked craft carrying the devoted.

The traditional boats of the Tagus playa major role in this, for this festival is truly a "mariners"' one. On June 3Oth, the second day of the celebrations, there is a pilgrimage to the chapel of Senhor Jesus dos Atlitos, a lively meal- formerly the sardine feast for the poor- for the pilgrims, the curious "Burning of the Skiff" and several bull fights and running of the bulls.

MONTIJO
The Montijo Municipal Museum, in the former residence of the Tavares Mora family, displays the historic and cultural heritage of the municipality. The collections on display reflect various periods of history; One can see a description of the legend of Senhor Jesus dos Aflitos linked to an excellent 17th century Indo-Portuguese crucifix, and re- view the history of the Mora family and its house.

The four rooms on the upper floor are dedicated to Jorge Peixinho, the composer. After an agreeable rest in the Municipal Park, head towards the parish church of the Holy Ghost, founded in the fourteen hundreds and altered early in the 17th century. The side and main doors are representative of this age.

The whole of the internal structure is Mannerist, comprising a nave and two aisles with their elegant classical columns. The vault over the sanctuary is Manueline and the high altar and side altars are of baroque carving. Seventeen and eighteenth century tiles cover various parts of the church. A stroll by the riverside, along the garden leading to the Ferry Station, is always very pleasant.