23 de April, 2026
How about being transported to another era? Just like in other European countries, Portugal also boasts a rich calendar of events that recreate the medieval fairs and markets of the Middle Ages. These began spreading across the country in the 1990s (Coimbra was the pioneer). In 2026, dozens of medieval fairs are expected to take place throughout Portugal by the end of the year. In addition to boosting tourism and the local economy—generating jobs and income—these events often engage entire communities, who embrace the festive spirit, decorate their homes, and dress in period costumes to recreate an authentic historical atmosphere. Not to mention how fun they can be for the general public!
More common in the summer, medieval fairs in Portugal mainly take place in July and August. Some are especially well known, such as those in Silves, Alcobaça, Óbidos, Santa Maria da Feira, Viana do Castelo, and Sintra.
Check out the full CALENDAR of the best medieval fairs in Portugal in 2026 below!
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Many events of this kind usually take place in towns that still retain their medieval architecture. Portugal has various castles scattered around the country. In Óbidos, for example, there is a village surrounded by walls, with preserved 13th century architecture, which in itself makes a perfect setting for the party.
The streets and the balconies of the houses are decorated with flags, banners and pennants bearing the traditional coats of arms of Portuguese families. Red carpets decorate noble areas, while straw covers the floor of the simplest environments. Chairs are replaced by straw benches.
Completing the scene are fairs that scatter torches, bonfires and hunting trophies along the street. Not to mention the instruments of torture common in the Middle Ages and the “bodies” of evildoers executed in public squares.
The atmosphere can also include smells: barbecue, drink and campfires.
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In the burgos (population centers which sprang up around the castles), tents were set up, weapons were sharpened and men were prepared for battle. Camps of the military hosts defending the town are set up, for “the enemy lurks at any moment”.
Ancient trades such as goldsmiths, carpenters, potters, blacksmiths, shoemakers, furriers, among others, are demonstrated live. There are also spaces that recreate the old taverns and brothels. Not to mention the markets, present at all events.
In the stalls scattered around the streets there is a variety of handicraft products: jewellery, shoes, belts, sculptures, hunting weapons, toys, spices, fruit, incense, handmade soap, among other items. It is also possible to come across tents of fortune tellers and apothecaries.
Fools, princesses, knights, beggars, prostitutes and kings walk the streets. There is a procession accompanied by typical music and dancers. Jugglers and snake charmers show off their main skills. On stage, shows recall the historical battles that defined Portugal’s destiny. Duly dressed, actors and extras are everywhere. Many are not even professional actors, but the residents themselves, who make a point of participating. The municipal councils themselves invite and encourage this participation which, in some cases, can be remunerated.
At some of these events, you can also witness—and even take part in—traditional games and period activities. Wooden swords and toy horses, stilts, ball games, and skipping ropes are often available for anyone to try. Falconry displays are also common, showcasing the ancient art of training and flying birds of prey, a practice highly valued in the Middle Ages by courts and nobles. Mock jousts, axe throwing, archery, and historical board games round out the experience.
How about sitting at a banquet with land lords or diners, while watching a fair of knights? The toast can be with sangria, mead or craft beer. There is a bit of everything to eat: roast pork, migas, grilled meats, as well as various crepes and sweets. Most medieval festivals transform restaurants and bars into old-fashioned taverns. Glass and plastic cutlery is replaced by earthenware and wooden cutlery. And they don’t disappoint in terms of flavours!
See also: Top 7 Portuguese Heritage
As mentioned earlier, dozens of events take place from north to south. Some are large, spanning several days and already boasting a solid reputation; others are simpler and less traditional. Below, we’ve gathered a few we recommend.
The Santa Maria Medieval Fair is a true journey back in time, widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading historical reenactment events. It is the largest and most famous medieval fair in Portugal, lasting several days and engaging the entire city.
In 2026, the event celebrates its 30th anniversary with a special edition dedicated to the County of Portugal (Condado Portucalense), a period that marked the origins of the country and the rise of King Afonso Henriques. This year’s reenactment revisits that historical moment with a fresh approach, new characters, and updated programming, further reinforcing the Medieval Journey’s status as an international reference in this type of event.
The event takes place from July 29 to August 9, 2026, with an opening show on the evening of July 28, in the historic center of Santa Maria da Feira.
Another highly popular and unique medieval fair, especially due to the setting of the walled village dating back to the 12th century. In 2026, the event takes place from July 16 to 26, featuring 11 days of intense historical reenactment. The Óbidos Medieval Market has been held since 2002 and consistently delivers an immersive journey into the Middle Ages, with tournaments, royal banquets, repudiations, weddings, and festivities. The full program and this year’s theme have not yet been officially announced, but as always, the experience promises to be immersive and unforgettable.
Scheduled to take place from June 11 to 14, 2026, the Afonsina Fair once again transforms the historic center of Guimarães into a true medieval setting. Over four days, the event recreates key moments in the formation of Portugal, with a focus on the period leading up to the rise of Afonso Henriques as a central figure in the country’s history. The 2026 edition highlights the events following the death of Count Henry and the role of Countess Teresa in governing the County of Portugal, as well as the symbolic moment of Afonso Henriques’ knighting. With themed areas, historical reenactments, and strong involvement from the local community, the event reinforces Guimarães’ cultural identity as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation.
The Silves Medieval Fair, in the Algarve, is one of the longest-running fairs in Portugal, always taking place in the first half of August. In 2026, it will feature 9 days of programming, from August 7 to 15. Due to the Algarve’s summer heat, most activities are scheduled for the late afternoon and evening, all set against the stunning backdrop of Silves Castle.
The 26th edition of the Medieval Days in Castro Marim takes place from August 26 to 30, 2026, with the Gothic Castle of Castro Marim as its main stage. The event features large-scale performances, including medieval jousting tournaments on horseback, as well as exhibitions of historical instruments of torture and punishment.
Check out a past edition of the event here:
Check out the full calendar of medieval fairs in Portugal for 2026 below!
May
21 to 24 | Braga Romana – Avenida Central, Braga
23 and 24 | Renaissance Fair of Terras de Algodres – Fornos de Algodres
30 and 31 | Medieval Fair of Ansiães – Carrazeda de Ansiães
June
4 to 7 | Historical Market of Lousada – Lousada
5 to 7 | Medieval Fair of Pinhel – Pinhel
4 to 7 | Medieval Fair of Vilar de Andorinho – Vilar de Andorinho
12 to 14 | 16th Century Fair of Aldeia Galega – Merceana, Alenquer
11 to 14 | Afonsina Fair of Guimarães – Guimarães
14 | Historical Crossbow Tournament at Ourém Castle – Ourém
29 | Historical Crossbow Tournament in Montemor-o-Velho – Montemor-o-Velho
July
2 to 5 | Market of Cultures by Candlelight – Lagoa
3 to 5 | Medieval Fair of Serra D’el Rei – Serra D’el Rei, Peniche
3 to 5 | Medieval Market of Cambra – Cambra, Vouzela
3 to 5 | Medieval Fair of Penedono – Penedono
9 to 12 | Medieval Market of Sintra – Sintra
10 to 12 | Medieval Fair of Mões – Mões, Castro Daire
16 to 26 | Medieval Market of Óbidos – Óbidos
17 to 19 | Medieval Days of Canelas do Douro – Canelas do Douro
17 to 19 | Battle of Vimeiro 1808 Reenactment – Vimeiro, Lourinhã
24 to 26 | Medieval Fair of Canha – Canha, Montijo
24 to 26 | Medieval Fair of Encoberta – Encoberta, Pindo
July 29 to August 9 | Medieval Journey in the Lands of Santa Maria da Feira – Santa Maria da Feira
August
7 to 15 | Medieval Fair of Silves – Silves
13 to 16 | History Festival of V. N. de Cerveira – Vila Nova de Cerveira
26 to 30 | Medieval Days of Castro Marim – Castro Marim
28 to 30 | Siege of Almeida Reenactment – Almeida
29 and 30 | Medieval Festival of Malta – Malta, Vila do Conde
September
4 to 6 | Medieval Market of Cordinhã – Cordinhã, Cantanhede
18 to 20 | Alvalade Medieval – Alvalade do Sado, Santiago do Cacém
20 and 21 | Ceyceyra Medieval – Tomar
25 to 27 | Medieval Fair of Marvila – Marvila, Lisbon
October
3 to 5 | Al Mossassa Festival – Marvão
10 and 11 | Templar Days of Tomar – Tomar
Dates may change. Please confirm before planning your trip.
The oldest medieval fair in Portugal in the format of historical reenactment is possibly the one held in Coimbra, which began in 1992. The second oldest is the fair of Canas de Senhorim, whose first edition took place in 1993.
However, the Medieval Journey of Santa Maria da Feira, held since 1996, is not only one of the oldest but also the most traditional and extensive in the country today.
After diving into the best medieval fairs in Portugal, how about turning your passion for European culture into a lifetime of adventures? If you dream of relocating to Portugal, close to these incredible events, or even obtaining Portuguese citizenship to explore all of Europe without limits, Atlantic Bridge is ready to help. Our experts in visas and European citizenship make the entire process easier, from residence visas to dual nationality.
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