The bifana will be about 20 metres long and is a joint effort between Panificadora de Vendas Novas, a local bifana shop, and the Castelões cheese brand, which will add "its cheese to this recipe so well-known among the Portuguese."

In a press release, Castelões reveals that the creation aims to celebrate "the tradition of the Vendas Novas Bifana and invites the Portuguese and visitors to taste it in a new way."

Pedro Cunha, senior brand manager of Castelões, quoted in a press release sent to The Portugal News, says that the delicacy "is part of the Portuguese gastronomic identity," demonstrating that the renowned cheese brand "wants to be where Portugal comes together to celebrate." Pedro Cunha adds that Vendas Novas is “the ideal stage to unite tradition, flavour and innovation in a moment that gives a new dimension” to the combination of cheese and bifana, making “Casteloões cheese a reference in national gastronomic culture.”

Credits: Supplied Image; Author: Castelões;

Like any other Portuguese festival, gastronomy will play a major role. Chef Hélio Loureiro will be present and is responsible for two experiences: a showcooking followed by a presentation of the “Bifana à Chef,” which will be an “exclusive reinterpretation of the traditional Bifana from Vendas Novas, with the touch of Castelões Cheese.”

In addition to the food, those who want to see the World's Largest Bifana with Cheese can watch a show by Bárbara Tinoco and the coronation of the King and Queen of the Bifana. To win the prize, competitors must eat the most bifanas in 10 minutes, in a competition that “promises to liven up the audience and give even more rhythm to the celebration.”

Among the initiatives planned is a proposal to create a National Bifana Day, "reinforcing the connection between Vendas Novas and this speciality."