Medieval fairs are events that transport you to a time long gone, full of history, culture and many traditions, where there’s no shortage of that special gastronomy of yesteryear.
In Lisbon, but especially around the country’s capital, there are several medieval fairs that every year bring thousands of people interested in having an experience worthy of the Middle Ages.
These fairs are a unique opportunity to take a trip back in time, learn about how people lived back then, get to know the customs and cuisine of each area, by recreating the past in a very captivating and even educational way.
In this guide, we’ll tell you about the best-known medieval fairs in the country, with a focus on those held in and around Lisbon.
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Alhos Vedros Medieval Fair
It was at this event a few years ago that I began to enjoy visiting the various medieval fairs that take place around the country. The Moita, on the south bank of the Tagus, will host one of the first medieval fairs before the summer season begins, from June 8 to 11.
This year’s theme will be “Alhos Vedros and the River”, and once again there will be lots of entertainment, seasonal food and drink, mead , falconry, entertainment for the little ones, parades, stage shows, circus entertainment and many other activities.
Dates: July 8th to 11th
Admission: free
Templar Festival
Tomar, 1.5 hours from Lisbon, is the next destination for a medieval fair in early summer.
There you can recreate a scene from the time of the Knights Templar, visit the markets and camps, among other activities that will evoke the history, legends, secrets and myths of the richest and most powerful medieval institution, the Order of the Knights Templar.
Dates: July 11-14
Admission: free
Sintra Quinhentista Fair
The palaces and breathtaking landscapes make Sintra one of Portugal’s most romantic and incredible towns, also takes us back in time with this 16th century fair, which recreates a period market.
During this event, the streets and squares are filled with medieval music, dances, crafts and gastronomy, in a magical atmosphere that gives the town even more charm and makes this fair an unforgettable experience.
Dates: July 13-16
Admission: free
Óbidos Medieval Fair
Bearing in mind that Óbidos is a town surrounded by walls, the Óbidos Medieval Fair is clearly one of the most famous and visited near Lisbon. This year, the theme will be “Between Wheels and Thorns”.
This fair transforms the entire town into a living stage of history, with visitors able to enjoy horse tournaments, falconry shows, markets and even medieval banquets, where you can sample typical dishes of the time.
Dates: from July 18th to 28th
Tickets: 10€ for adults; 8€ for children aged 4 to 12; 9€ for seniors over 65 and students
Marvila Medieval Fair
The Vale Fundão Urban Park will once again host the Marvila Medieval Fair later this summer, from September 22 to 24, for another vibrant celebration of the medieval era, where there will be no shortage of street theater, snake dances, medieval parades, sword fights, falconry and circus arts.
This fair offers a wide variety of activities and entertainment for all families, including medieval games, and is very popular with local schools.
Dates: from September 22nd to 24th
Admission: free
Palmela Medieval Fair
Palmela hosts one of the most incredible medieval fairs you can visit, full of animation and a huge respect for the ancestral traditions of those times, where you can find an authentic recreation of medieval life, with markets, shows, tournaments, music, dance and typical gastronomy of the time.
The 2024 edition will take place between September 27 and 29 at Palmela Castle, for three days celebrating the historical figure of King João II, under the theme “A Knight of Santiago for Mayor of Palmela”.
Dates: September 27-29
Admission : until July 31st: 1 day for €3 and 3 days for €6; from August 1st: 1 day for €4 and 3 days for €7; free for children under 12
Other medieval fairs near Lisbon
You can put the following medieval fairs around Lisbon in your diary for 2024 and beyond:
- Benfica Medieval Fair: in May
- Portela Medieval Fair: in May
- Odivelas Medieval Fair: in May
- Medieval Site of Pernes: in May
- Arruda dos Vinhos 19th century market: end of May and beginning of June
- Aldeia Galega Medieval Fair in Alenquer: from June 7th to 9th
- Paio Pires Medieval Market: from June 14th to 16th
- Azambuja Medieval Market: june 15th
- Templar Days in Mafra: from June 22nd to 23rd
- Re-enactment of the Battle of Vimeiro: July 19-20
Medieval fairs in Portugal
Throughout the country there are many other medieval fairs that are worth a visit. If you happen to be passing through these towns these days, take a trip back in time:
- Vizela Romana, in Caldas de Vizela: june 6th to 9th
- Montemor-o-Novo Medieval Fair: June 14th to 16th
- Bombarral Medieval Fair: from June 14th to 16th
- Leça da Palmeira Pirate Festival: July 11-14
- Medieval Leiria: from July 18th to 21st
- Coimbra Medieval Fair: from July 19th to 21st
- Buarcos Pirate Festival: from July 24th to 28th
- Belmonte Medieval Fair: August 9th to 11th
- Medieval Aljubarrota: from August 10th to 15th
- Castro Marim Medieval Days: from August 21st to 25th
- Recreation of the Siege of Almeida: August 30-31
- Leça do Balio Medieval Fair: from September 10th to 15th
- Alvalade Medieval de Santiago do Cacém: from September 13th to 15th
- Canas de Senhorim Medieval Fair: October 4th to 6th
Do you want to take part in a medieval fair?
There are many events of this kind where you can take part, but be warned that in many of them they “force” you to wear the clothes of the Middle Ages so that the recreation is as faithful as possible.
If you’re interested in being one of these characters, take a look at the official websites of these fairs of yesteryear and get in touch with their organizers to find out more.
These medieval fairs are an authentic window into the past and will allow you to have a very intense immersive experience, where the life, culture and traditions of the Middle Ages are “shown” as accurately as possible.
From Moita to Palmela, as well as many other ancestral markets across the country, these are unmissable events that cost very little: the food and drink are usually very cheap and tasty.
If you like history-related events or if you’re looking for educational activities, then you really must take the whole family to one of these medieval fairs in Portugal.
Parques temáticos para te divertires em família: onde ficam e quanto custam