October has been the golden month of the Portuguese Golden Visa. According to the Confederation of Construction and Real Estate, Portugal received an influx of over 126 million Euro from non-EU residents who decide to move to the sunny shores of the Atlantic, in the Algarve, or to Lisbon, cultural and economic center – to give just a couple of example of Portuguese attraction spots.

But first, what is the “golden visa”? The Golden Visa Programme was launched in October 2012 with the aim of attracting non-Eu investors willing to obtain valid Portuguese residency permits. Along with the permit to reside in Portugal, those who hold a golden visa are allowed to transit the entire Schengen space.

The idea seems to be very appealing to a number of nationalities, especially the Chinese, who are all too willing to obtain the tax free key to entering the European space. Next in line are the Russians, Brazilians, Angolans and the South Africans.

Why do foreigners flock to Portugal? Because, compared to other European countries, Portugal offers relatively low prices as well as a beautiful seaside and breathtaking landscapes. Apart from that, the golden visa includes an exemption from income tax and a minimum benefit apart from the initial property investment. So beyond the property purchase tax, there are virtually only advantages to speak of.

There are those who also voice their dissatisfaction, that while Portuguese citizens pay their taxes, wealthy foreigners who don’t actually physically reside in Portugal get unfair advantages. But aside for immigration, tourism remains one of the main sources of revenue for Portugal and travelling to the Algarve and the other parts of Portugal remains an amazing experience for everyone.

The entire world is getting their scary costumes ready for the black and orange feast of Halloween. But while the kids are preparing to go “trick or treat”-ing, the adults may be interested in a more mature celebration organized in Castro Marim in honor of all the people and of the entire industry of salt harvesting.

The event is scheduled for 6 PM this week, October 31st , at the Casa do Sal and is the first edition of the Salt Festival (o I Convivio da Safra do Sal). Castro Marim is the most representative Portuguese core of salt production and the place where the largest community of people involved in the exploitation and production of salt resides. The local salt economy is thriving.

The initiative for this interesting celebration came from the Municipal Chamber of Castro Marim (Camara Municipal de Castro Marim). The event will also mark the inauguration of the collective photo exposition “Historias de Sal” (in translation, “Salty Stories”), promoted by Associacao ¼ Escuro in collaboration with Taller de Fotografia de Lepe (Spain), the Clube de Fotografia de Guerande and the French club La Baule. A total of 45 artist photographers will participate with their unique photos that piece together an unforgettably visually intriguing history of salt.

The organizers wish to bring together workers, companies operating in the salt field and other enterprises concerned in the production, exploitation or distribution of salt nationally and internationally. The stress will be placed on the importance of preserving the traditional salt industry and on the fact that salt is and will remain a vital component in the cultural life of Castro Marim.

You may come to Castro Marim for the sun, the ocean, the salt or for golf. Anyway, for this October end, you have an endless list of options.