There’s a corner of Lisbon that, for three days, swaps the 21st century for another era: the Beato Medieval Fair returns this weekend to Mata da Madre de Deus, with a program that includes the Mayor’s Procession, men’s combat, giant jugglers, a market featuring regional products, and street entertainment.
The event will take place from June 26 to 28, organized by the Beato Parish Council.
Friday: opening with the Mayor’s Procession at 6:30 p.m.
On the first day, the gates open at 6:00 p.m. Half an hour later, the medieval market opens with a Mayor’s Procession through the streets.
Throughout the evening, there will be performances by giant jugglers (7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.), training for new squires (7:30 p.m.), performances by the kingdom’s minstrels (8:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.), and men’s combat (9:00 p.m.). The market closes at 2: 00 a.m.
Saturday: a full day of court dances and a display of armor
On Saturday, the festivities begin earlier, at noon. The medieval market reopens at 3:00 p.m. with a procession led by the herald and his entourage.
Highlights of the afternoon and evening include court dances (3:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.), a display of armor (9:00 p.m.), a parade of minstrels (10:40 p.m.), and giant jugglers to close out the night at 11:00 p.m. The market closes again at 2:00 a.m.
Sunday: Royal Procession and the “Mnalathëh” show to close the event
The final day also begins at noon. At 3:00 p.m., the traveling royal procession takes place, followed by a giant puppet parade at 3:15 p.m. and giant jugglers and court dances at 3:30 p.m.
The evening concludes with the master puppeteer at 8:00 p.m. and the show “Mnalathëh,” followed by the giant jugglers at 9:30 p.m. On Sunday, the market closes earlier, at 11:00 p.m.
Crafts, birds, reptiles, and a military encampment
In addition to the scheduled performances, throughout the event there will be traveling street entertainment, children’s attractions, educational craft demonstrations, an exhibition of birds and reptiles, and a camp featuring military-era experiences.
The fair is, therefore, an event for all ages and the perfect excuse to explore the Mata da Madre de Deus, one of Beato’s lesser-known green spaces.
Useful Information
Address: Mata da Madre de Deus (Beato)
Dates: June 26 , 27, and 28, 2026
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