Silves Medieval Fair 2023

The annual Medieval Fair in the historical town of Silves is one of the biggest and the best summer festivals in the Algarve, and it's back in 2023, from 10th to 20th August.

This colourful and vibrant festival centres around Silves Castle and takes over most of the town. It attracts visitors from all over the world who come to dress in Medieval costumes, eat and drink Medieval fare, cheer on jousting knights, dance to Medieval music and enjoy the atmosphere. A great event for all the family - not to be missed!

The town of Silves is the old Moorish capital of the Algarve. The red stone castle sits above the town, with narrow cobbled streets leading down towards the Arade River. It's the perfect setting for a Medieval Fair. Within the old city walls, neon signs and electric lighting is turned off, pigs are cooked on the spit over open fires and served on pottery tiles, beer is served in earthenware mugs, minstrels wander the streets and knights joust for victory.

Entry is ticketed - 2023 prices can be found on the programme below.
Open from 18:00h to 01.00h

Highlights include:
The mystical atmosphere of the Medieval Fair begins daily at 6:00 PM with the Medieval Procession, where participants dressed in elaborate costumes will parade through the streets of the Medina and the Outskirts.

Those fond of competitions can witness the War Games, where a rebel who has taken possession of the territory, Yahyâ Ibn Bakr Ibn Zadlaf, will confront the Umayyad army at 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM in Al-Mut’amid Square.

Additionally, there will be Nights of the Orient, a stunning display of music, dance, and fire, taking place at 10:30 PM at Silves Castle.

The Silves Medieval Fair is very popular so expect it to be busy. It gets particularly busy from 9pm onwards. Parking is on the outer streets of the town. Silves is a hilly town and the cobbled streets can be tricky underfoot – runners or low sandals are the best footwear.
 

• 2023 PROGRAMME