Montijo

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Situated north of Setúbal peninsula, in a transition area between the alluvial plains of Tagus estuary's south bank, Ribatejo's plain and Alentejo's peneplain, the municipality of Montijo is part of the metropolitan area of Lisbon. Human occupation dates back to the Paleolithic age and proof of this are the numerous archaeological remains found in this area. Formerly known as Aldeia Galega, the name was changed in 1930 to Montijo. The former name of the municipality was due to an inhabitant from Galicia named Alda. She had a "sale", which served the people who passed the port to go to Lisbon and the Alentejo. Along the way the travelers claimed to pass at Alda's, the "Galega", which gave way to the first name of the village. The activities relating to meat production, slaughter and processing, preparation and transformation of cork, as well as horticultural, vineyard and flower production have always been the most significant ones for the municipality's economy. However, with the construction of Vasco da Gama bridge and the completion of some relevant roads, Montijo, like other neighboring councils, strengthened its economic strategy, competing to attract new investments more linked to commercial activities to the detriment of activities linked to the primary sector. Bullfights and "largadas" ("bull releases") are traditions closely linked to the municipality and bring many supporters together during the festivities time. Regional products like pine nuts, honey, sheep's cheese, sweets like the "aldeanos" (cookies made with almond and pumpkin jam) and wine (Pegões) constitute a brand image of this municipality.