The legend of the almond trees in blossom

At this time of year, the almond trees that may go unnoticed during the rest of the year reveal themselves in all their splendour. It is impossible not to notice them, not to look at them, as the green fields become covered with a blanket of white and pink blossoms.

Legend has it that, in ancient Chelb, present-day Silves, a Moorish king who had never known defeat saw, among the prisoners taken in a battle, a beautiful princess from Northern Europe named Gilda. The king married the princess in a great celebration.

However, Gilda began to grow very sad and nostalgic, longing for her homeland covered in snow. Not wanting to see her unhappy, the king ordered almond trees to be planted throughout his kingdom.

The following spring, the king showed the queen the fields covered with almond trees in blossom. When Gilda saw the trees laden with white flowers, making the fields appear as though they were covered in snow, she was immensely happy. And so, every year, when the almond trees blossomed, Gilda could ease her longing for her homeland.

Every place has its own history, legends, traditions… It is important to know our history. It gives us an understanding of the environment to which we belong, and also of ourselves.

And this beautiful legend is part of the DNA of the wonderful Algarve region.