As one of the oldest countries in Europe, Portugal has a significant amount of history to learn about and incredible historic sites to visit. The best place to feel this history come alive is at one of its many historic events or festivals. From late spring to autumn many of Portugal’s cities, towns, and villages host these historic events, medieval festivals, and even reenactments of famous battles.
What are Medieval Fairs like in Portugal?
Arts, entertainment, food and drink, and a lively atmosphere that goes long into the night. You’ll find a mix of period relevant displays, and often a liberal idea of historical music and dance. Food vendors are common, with a big focus on cooking over fire – grilled meats, roasted vegetables, but things like crepes too. Drinks, you’ll find historical themed vendors with tavern like menus, beer, ale, mead, and wine. But you’re never too far from cocktails, a sangria, or liqueurs like ginjinha.
Do Visitors Dress up?
One of the biggest complaints, or surprises for our US visitors is that adult visitors to these fairs don’t typically dress up or act like they’re at a medieval festival. There’s no ren faire (Renaissance Fair) atmosphere where guests will dress up and join in the cosplay. These events are much like other feiras and festivals where friends and families will gather, eat, drink, and watch live performances.
It’s very typical for children to dress up though, and you’ll see a lot of stalls marketing costumes and props for children. Lots of the staff and actors will be dressed in period attire. You just won’t see many attendees in cosplay unless they’re children.
Here are some of the best medieval fairs and historic events being held in Portugal in 2026!
Feira Medieval de Castelo Mendo: April
When: April (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Castelo Mendo, north-east Portugal
The fair is inspired by the first charter of Castelo Mendo, which dates to 1229! This charter authorized the holding of a fair, making it an event of great historical and patrimonial value. The event transforms the village into a “bustling medieval city,” with medieval tournaments and jousts, historical reenactments, fire shows, music, and dance. The municipality website shares the latest details but no dates for 2026 are confirmed yet.
Feira Medieval de Aldeia Viçosa: April
When: April 25th and 26th (2026)
Where: Aldeia Viçosa, Guarda, north-east Portugal
Feira Medieval de Aldeia Viçosa typically occurs on the last weekend of April, and is now in its fourth edition. This year’s edition celebrates King Dinis I who gave the town its first charter in 1238. No official website, but their Facebook page posts the latest updates and schedule.
Festival dos Descobrimentos: April/May
When: May (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Lagos, West Algarve
The historic coastal city of Lagos hosts the Festival dos Descobrimentos (Festival of Discoveries) in late April early May. Pulling on local influence from Sagres and the era of Henry the Navigator, this is one of the early medieval festivals that happen in the Algarve.
Mercado Medieval de Pero Escouche: May
When: May (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Castelo de Pirescoxe, 15 minutes north of Lisbon
In early May, the gardens of Castelo de Pirescouxe host a medieval fair over 3 days. You’ll find food stalls and vendors, battle reenactments, and in previous years staged jousting.
The great thing is the location, it’s a short walk from a train station on the Azambuja trainline directly out of Lisbon. So if you’re visiting Lisbon, this is an easy trip to make to experience a Portuguese festival!
Feira Medieval Ibérica de Avis: May
When: From the 8th to the 10th of May (2026)
Where: Avis, Alentejo 1.5 hours east of Lisbon
Across three days, visitors and residents are transported to the medieval era through various recreated environments, existing heritage, culture, traditional games, shows, experiences, smells and tastes of bygone times. This all takes place in the narrow streets of Avis, a historic town in Alentejo.
It’s a great place to sample the region’s finest delicacies. Local producers showcase bread, sausages, wine, olive oil, and liqueurs. You can find loads more information, and a full schedule of events on the official Facebook page.
Marialva Medieval: May
When: May (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Marialva, north-east Portugal
Marialva is one of the 12 Historic Villages of Portugal and can be found in the district of Guarda. This historic village hosts Marialva Medieval where you can expect various workshops, fire shows, equestrian tournaments, medieval dances, musical street performances, and several reenactments. The Mêda Municipal Council website posts the latest updates, and 2026 dates have not yet been confirmed.
Feira Setecentista: May
When: From the 13th to the 17th of May (2026)
Where: Vila Real de Santo Antonio, east Algarve
Feira Setecentista literally 18th Century Festival is held in the east Algarve town of Vila Real de Santo António. Over five days, the daily life of the village in the 18th century will be portrayed, highlighting its historical, cultural, and social importance. The official website has all the details.
Braga Romana: May
When: From the 20th to the 24th of May (2026)
Where: Braga, North Portugal
Braga Romana is one of the few Roman events that make this list and celebrates the Roman founding city of Bracara Augusta. Across five days, the bustling atmosphere of a historic Roman city is recreated. It’s not exclusively a ‘fair’ and across the city you’ll find museum and archaeological events tied to the celebration.
Festival Pombalino: May
When: May (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Pombal, Central Portugal
Over the course of two days, music, theatre, and dance transform Pombal into a portrait of the 18th century. An open-air market will take shape, bringing traditional crafts, regional flavours and a rich programme of artistic performances back to life.
Acrobats, dancers, musicians, craftsmen, artisans, merchants and tavern keepers will animate the Marquis of Pombal Square, celebrating its distinctive Pombaline heritage and inviting visitors to step into another era.
Memórias da História: May
When: May (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Torres Novas, 15 minutes north of Faro
Held since 2010 in Torres Novas “Memories of History” is a period fair that recreates the most important moments of the municipality’s past. During the event, the city’s historic center, focusing on Praça 5 de Outubro, the castle, the Rose Garden, is transformed.
Mercado das Alcaçarias Faro: May/June
When: May/June (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Faro, Algarve
For three days, Mercado das Alcaçarias takes over the walled old town of Faro to recreate a 13th century Islamic market. There’s typical theater and dance, as well as lots of great food vendors. Dates for 2026 have not been announced yet.
Beja Romana: June
When: 2026 Dates to be confirmed
Where: Beja, Alentejo
Another of Portugal’s Roman fairs, this one is held in Beja in the Alentejo region. Originally a Roman city called Pax Iulia the city has a surprising amount of Roman heritage, much of it celebrated over the 3 day festival. Similarly, to other Roman festival’s, the city undergoes an open program of events with talks hosted at museums and Roman sites. As well as the typical fair and markets. Dates for 2026 are not yet announced.
Feira Medieval Castelo de Montemor-o-Novo: June
When: From the 12th to the 14th of June (2026)
Where: Montemor-o-Novo, 30 minutes east of Lisbon
Feira Medieval Castelo de Montemor-o-Novo is a biennial fair held in the Castle of Montemor-o-Novo. It’s back for 2026 from the 12th to the 14th June. You’ll find medieval flavors and regional products, games, live music and ancient crafts, historical reenactments and weapons tournaments, as well as a lot more.
Condeixa, o Vislumbre de um Império: June
When: June (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Condeixa, central Portugal
This 2 day event claims to be the biggest Roman event in Portugal and is staged in Condeixa. Condeixa is just outside of Coimbra and is known for one of the best preserved Roman cities in Portugal – Conimbriga. This event combines live reenactments, with guided tours, and unique features like the installation of a roman bath house for people to experience.
Festa da História: June
When: June (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Trancoso, Serra da Estrela
Festa da História is a medieval festival that recreates the marriage of King D. Dinis to Queen Saint Isabel, which took place in 1282. Held on the last weekend of June, it transforms the historic center of Trancoso into a living museum with merchants, acrobats, tournaments and processions, celebrating the city’s medieval heritage.
1664 Battle of Castelo Rodrigo (Reenactment): July
When: July (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo
This event claims to be the only reenactment of a 17th century battle in Portugal! Over the course of 3 days in the village of Castelo Rodrigo, the Battle of Castelo Rodrigo is recreated. It typically includes a 3 day historical market alongside the theatrical reenactments!
Mercado Medieval de Sintra – July
When: July (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Sintra
Mercado Medieval de Sintra recreate a medieval market right in the heart of Sintra. The Medieval Fair typically boasts over a hundred participants: artisans recreating period crafts, craftspeople, merchants with food products and handicrafts of Arab origin, producers with sweets, vegetables, honey, smoked meats, cheeses, etc., mystics, taverns with meals, light snacks, sweets, and also bars selling drinks.
Os Piratas: July
When: July (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Matosinhos, Porto
Forte de Leça da Palmeira in Matosinhos hosts this pirate themed event right on the coast! The big draw is a daily reenactment of pirates storming the fortress. Outside of that, you’ll find lots of pirate and medieval themed activities and live performances. No confirmed dates for 2026 yet but check the official site for updates.
Festa Templária Tomar: July
When: July (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Tomar, 30 minutes east of Lisbon
The city with the biggest connection to the Knights Templar in Portugal, hosts this Templar themed festival every July. Reenactments, visits to historical sites, educational seminars, medieval markets, contests and many other activities will evoke the history, legends, secrets and myths of the richest and most powerful medieval institution, the Order of the Templars.
Leiria Medieval: July
When: July (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Leiria, Central Portugal – halfway between Lisbon and Porto
2026 will be the 13th edition of Leiria Medieval and although dates and the theme has not been announced you can expect it to be bigger than ever. Typically it’s a four day event that highlights key moments in Leiria’s history.
Evento Batalha do Vimeiro 1808 (Reenactment): July
When: From the 17th to the 19th of July 2026
Where: Vimeiro, Lourinhã
This is one of the largest battle reenactments in Portugal and recreates the decisive Battle of Vimeiro, where the French were defeated, and the invasion of Portugal ended. It is large program of 18th/19th century events, with the centerpiece being the reenactments, but there’s also a Mercado Oitocentista. A lively market showcasing arts and customs, crafts, trades, and gastronomy. Full details are available on the official website.
Mercado Medieval de Óbidos: July
When: July (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Óbidos, one hour north of Lisbon
Óbidos is probably the most famous medieval village in Portugal, and its one of my favourites. In late July it hosts Mercado Medieval de Óbidos a 10 day long festival full of shows and events, as well as a large medieval market. It gets busy, but it’s one of the largest medieval festivals in Portugal. Dates for 2026 are not yet announced.
Viagem Medieval em Terra de Santa Maria: July/August
When: From the 29th of July to the 9th of August
Where: Santa Maria da Feira, 40 minutes south of Porto
Santa Maria da Freira’s Medieval Voyage is considered the largest medieval reenactment event in the Iberian Peninsula and one of the largest in Europe. The theme selected for this year’s edition, which marks 30 years of the event, is the ‘County of Portugal’. Over 12 consecutive days Santa Maria da Feira’s historic centre and castle becomes a stage for dramatic performances and reenactments, including the speech of king Afonso V of Portugal at 23PM. You can expect street performers, acrobats, musicians, as well as a medieval market with handcrafted goods, themed food and drinks, and more. For more information, including ticket price, check the event’s official website.
Silves Medieval Fair: August
When: August (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Silves, Algarve
Silves Medieval Fair is one of the biggest medieval fairs in Portugal, and is the biggest in the Algarve. It is typically held for around a week each August. Silves was originally a Moorish capital, so there’s a good blend of both Christian and Islamic influences on this medieval fair. There’s always an array of veiled dancers, alongside snake charmers, jugglers, circus acts, and performers entertaining crowds. 2026 dates have not been announced yet but more details can be found on the official website.
Aljubarrota Medieval Fair: August
When: From the 14th to the 17th of August
Where: Alcobaça, 90 minutes north of Lisbon
This annual fair is held in celebration of the anniversary of the Battle of Aljubarrota fought between the Kingdom of Portugal and the Crown of Castile on 14 August 1385. In the course of four days Alcobaça comes alive with horseback parades, street performers, jousting, fire juggling, as well as medieval tavern inspired foods and drinks. On the final day you can even watch a live reenactment of the battle at no entry fee. For additional information check Alcobaça’s municipality official website.
Festas dos Povos em Aqvae Flaviae: August
When: August (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Chaves, northern border of Portugal
The far northern border town of Chaves hosts Festas dos Povos em Aqvae Flaviae. Each year, on the last weekend of August, Chaves returns to the Empire of Titus Flavius Vespasian through a Galician-Roman market. You’ll find theatrical performances of Roman warfare including gladiator fights, duels, and stick fighting. 2026 dates still to be announced.
Dias Medievais: August
When: August (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Castro Marim, east Algarve
The tiny village of Castro Marim in the east Algarve is also one of the most fortified. It’s castle Castelo de Castro Marim hosts Medieval Days (Dias Medievais) a five day long festival celebrating Castro Marim’s long history. In 2025 there were over 200 different performances including, jousting, dueling, and blacksmithing. On the first and last days of the festival a huge parade also occurs.
The official Facebook page has all the details – 2026 dates tbc.
Cerco de Almeida (Reenactment): August
When: August (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Almeida, north-east Portugal
Now back for its 26th year – the reenactment of the Siege of Almeida is the largest historical reenactment of a Napoleonic battle in Portugal. Across 3 days there’s live reenactments of battle scenes, as well as a themed 19th century market. There’s modern twists too, comedy shows, brass bands, and in 2025 live Fado singers. This particular festival goes a lot further than just a historical Reenactment. The local municipality post the live updates, and currently 2026 dates have not been announced yet.
Muralhas Com História: September
When: September (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Sortelha, Central Portugal
Sortelha, a small walled village in Central Portugal hosts ‘Walls with History’ each year in mid September. The historic village is turned into a bustling medieval market filled with merchants and artisans. Elsewhere you’ll find knights displaying their combat skills, farm animals, and falconry. All to the tune of live music, and several historic taverns.
Columbus Festival: September
When: From the 17th to the 20th of September (2026)
Where: Porto Santo, Madeira
The Columbus Festival is the only festival that makes this list from Madeira. Porto Santo is transformed as it recreates the atmosphere that Columbus would have found in the 16th Century. The festival has an incredibly unique start – a replica caravel brings Columbus to the beach to open the festival. If you’re in Madeira at the time, this can’t be missed!
Feira Medieval de Palmela: September
When: September (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Palmela, 30 minutes south of Lisbon
Palmela’s Medieval fair typically centres around the 14th and 15th Centuries and the reign of King John I. The fair typically extends beyond the castle, with many shops, bars, and restaurants partaking in dressing up, and themed nights. A 1 day ticket costs €4.00 and more information can be found on the official website.
Festival Al Mossassa: October
When: October (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Marvao, Alentejo
Early in October, the walled village of Marvão celebrates its 9th century origins. Over 3 days visitors will be transported to an interpretation of Ibn Marwan the original Moorish settlement here. As always they’ll be theatricals, dance, live performances, and dueling knights. In 2025 there were multiple live actors forming military camps (Christian and Arab), weapons exhibitions, medieval games, a fencing workshop, archery and a display of snakes and falconry. You can expect more of the same in 2026
Additionally, there’s a market of ‘three cultures’ celebrating food and drink of Islamic, Jewish, and Christian heritage.
2027 Events!
Paderne Medieval: January 2027
When: January (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where: Paderne, Algarve
The very first medieval event in the calendar occurs early January, every year in the Algarve town of Paderne! We’ll be back with details when they’re announced!
Need to Know:
Accommodation: Many of these historic festivals happen in small towns and villages. When dates are announced accommodation in the towns are quickly booked up (with a healthy mix of vendors and visitors). If you’re planning on attending a feira and staying in the town itself you should book your accommodation well in advance.
Cash: Many of the food and drink vendors are cash (or Multibanco) only. International cards are limited so make sure to bring cash with you.
Which Medieval Fair will you be visiting in Portugal?
Have we missed something from this list? Let us know and we’ll add it as soon as we can! What’s your favourite historic festival to vist?
