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 9 to 17 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 2024, the theme is “Xilb, City of Loves and Heartbreaks.” It refers to the time in history when Silves (Xilb) was the capital of the Moorish occupation, and according to the municipality “Xilb was well known for its poets, who left us not only with the beauty of their metric verses but also with many stories of loves, betrayals, and heartbreaks experienced by some of its most illustrious inhabitants.”
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 – Games of Honor and Passion | Praça Al-Mu’thamid
22:30 – Entertainment in the Castle: Music, Dance & Fire | Silves Castle
22:30 – Games of Honor and Passion | Praça Al-Mu’thamid
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 9 August – €4.00. Purchase 9 August or later – €5.00. Click here for bracelet sales locations.
Parking: Best to find 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
