The Benfica Fair, which filled the neighborhood with nostalgia between 1987 and 1994, is finally back. On the evening of August 11, the Parish Council announced that the fair is scheduled to return October 2–4, this time at a different location than the original: Quinta da Granja Urban Park.
It all started with a memory from Nuno Markl
The idea to bring the fair back came from a nostalgic post by comedian Nuno Markl in late 2025, in which he reminisced about the year 1987: at just 16 years old, he decided to enter the design contest for the Benfica Fair poster, despite knowing little about the field—and he won, taking home a ZX Spectrum 128K as a prize. His poster even adorned the stage where artists like Lena d’Água performed. The article caught the attention of Ricardo Marques, president of the Benfica Parish Council, who called the comedian to confirm the fair’s return—on one condition: that Markl agree to serve as the event’s patron. He accepted immediately.
A new location, for logistical reasons
The original fair took place next to the Benfica Market. This time, according to the Parish Council, the move to Quinta da Granja Urban Park is due to logistical reasons. The full program is still being finalized, but the organizers have already confirmed that the fair will feature a new stage.
Retro style, complete with a poster contest
The revival promises to be a trip down memory lane, inspired by the 1980s and 1990s: music from that era, themed days with a call for period-appropriate attire, possible fashion shows, and a new poster design contest, similar to the one Nuno Markl won in 1987. This year, the winner has already been announced: Tiago Coimbra, recognized for his creativity and for how he captured the spirit of this edition, inspired by the ’80s and ’90s.
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