The Silves Medieval Fair, one of Portugal’s most dynamic and renowned Medieval Fairs returns this summer. The event of all ages, takes place in the streets of the historic city center, in and around the Castle of Silves, from 7 to 15 August.
Visitors take part in recreations of activities as they may have happened centuries ago when Silves was the capital of the Kingdom of the Algarve. Moorish and Christian traditions are on display throughout the grounds of the castle. Families experience veiled dancers, snake charmers, jugglers, acrobats, and noblemen and ladies parading in their finest costumes. Regional foods are available a number of food and beverage concessions.
For 2026, the theme is “Xilb – City of Poets and Wise Men”. (“Xilb” is the Moorish name for Silves.) The theme evokes the time when the city was one of the most important intellectual centers of al-Andalus, Libraries, gardens, and educational spaces held spaces where poets, philosophers, jurists, musicians, and scientists made words and knowledge symbols of prestige and power.
As always, with a procession of participants dressed in full medieval costumes from the fair entrance gate into the grounds, where an announcement by the Iman welcomes all who visit. A call to prayer echos from the tall minaret by the Al-Muezzin.
During the fair, there are two daily tournaments of games, a nightly show of music, dance and fire in the castle and roaming entertainment. Berber camp with merchants, blacksmiths, carpenters and potters working their trades. Over a hundred exhibitors, artisans mystics, bakers, cooks, minstrels in all.
The Silves Medieval Fair begins every night at 18:00. The nightly schedule includes:
18:00 – Festival Opens | Procession in the streets and squares @ Praça Al-Mut’amid
18:30 – Welcome by the Madinat Xilb Vizier @ City gates
18:50 – Call to Prayer by Al-Muezzin @ Sé Cathedral (former mosque)
19:00 – Arabic Cooking Demonstration @ Praça Al-Mut’amid
20:00 – Medieval Tournaments | Praça Al-Mu’thamid
22:30 – Medieval Tournaments | Praça Al-Mu’thamid
A highlight of year’s fair is the “Banquets at the Vizier’s Table.” Hosted daily inside the historic Alcáçova, this exclusive event is a food lover’s dream. Step back in time to enjoy a Muslim-inspired menu, meticulously crafted to recreate the rich flavors and luxurious atmosphere of ancient Xilb. It is a true sensory journey into the past. Because space is limited and demand is high, you will want to book your spot early to ensure you do not miss out on this unforgettable medieval evening. Tickets: €45 per adult; €20 for children up to 10 years old.
For more information, visit the Silves Medieval Fair website.
Castelo de Silves
Rua do Castelo
Silves
Western Algarve
Hours: 18:00 to 01:00
Entrance
Daily Ticket – €2.00 | with cup – €4.00
War Games – €5.00
Castle Show – €5.00
Daily Ticket + Games Show or Castle Nights – €6.00
Costume Rental: €3.00 for Adults, €2.00 for kids
Bracelets
A free-roaming bracelet allows entrance to all activities. Purchase before 6 August – €4.00 at (Available at the Parish Councils of the Municipality, Silves City Hall, Silves Castle, Silves Municipal Library, Silves Municipal Swimming Pools, Silves Municipal Archaeological Museum, Municipal Tourist Office / Infocenter of the Algarvensis Geopark and João de Deus House Museum)
Purchase 6 August or later – €5.00. At event ticket offices.
Parking
Best to find a spot on the edge of town and walk into the village, as streets will be closed to traffic.
Photos courtesy of Câmara Municipal de Silves
Accommodations in Silves
