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 8 to 16 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.
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Medieval Fair. To commemorate this milestone, the theme is “Final Conquest,” transporting visitors to 1248, when Dom Paio Peres Correia, Master of the Order of Aviz, reclaimed the city from the Almohad Empire under orders from King Afonso III. Historical reenactments bring to life the daily joys, struggles, and uncertainties of a city shaped by shifting powers—echoing back to its earlier Christian conquest in 1189 under Dom Sancho I.
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.
At 9:00 PM, 10:00 PM, 11:00 PM, and midnight, the immersive show alluding to this year’s theme will take place at the castle, titled “Xilb, Final Conquest,” reliving the final moments of ancient Muslim Silves. With epic music, engaging narration, and visuals that blend with the historical setting, this is a tribute to the strength of a people and the memory of a legendary city.
Silves Cathedral is preparing to host, at 8:00 pm, the spiritual and contemplative music recital “From Al-Andalus to Rumi’s Persia.” A melodious journey through the sound compositions of the three cultures and religions that coexisted peacefully in Al-Andalus (Christians, Muslims, and Sephardic Jews).
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 – War Games | Praça Al-Mu’thamid
20:00 – Musical Recital | Silves Cathedral
21:00 – Show “Xilb, Final Conquest” | Silves Castle
22:00 – Show “Xilb, Final Conquest” | Silves Castle
22:30 – War Games | Praça Al-Mu’thamid
23:00 – Show “Xilb, Final Conquest” | Silves Castle
24:00 – Show “Xilb, Final Conquest” | Silves Castle
For more information, visit the Silves Medieval Fair Facebook Page.
Castelo de Silves
Rua do Castelo
Silves
Western Algarve
Hours: 18:00 to 01:00
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
A free-roaming bracelet allows entrance to all activities. Purchase before 7 August – €4.00. Purchase 7 August or later – €5.00. Click here for bracelet sales locations.
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
