Across Portugal each summer and autumn many towns stage medieval fairs that recreate historical markets, tournaments and street performances, attracting thousands of visitors and promoting cultural tourism.
Notable fairs in Portugal
Well‑known events include the long‑running Mercado Medieval de Óbidos, held annually around the castle and drawing visitors with knights, music and themed food, and the Feira Medieval de Silves, a popular Algarvian festival that recreates the city’s medieval past with a large cultural programme each August.
What you see at the fairs
Visitors encounter artisan stalls, historical reenactments, equestrian displays and staged tournaments, alongside street performers, medieval cuisine and living‑history encampments that illustrate crafts, clothing and customs from the Middle Ages.
Cultural and economic impact
These events boost local economies by increasing hotel stays, restaurant business and retail sales during festival weeks and they support small craftspeople and performers; they also foster historical appreciation by offering immersive, educational experiences for families, schools and tourists.
Community and heritage
Organisers and municipalities often involve local museums, schools and heritage groups to build authentic programmes, turning fairs into civic celebrations that preserve folklore and connect citizens and visitors with regional identity and history.
Takeaway
Portugal’s medieval fairs, from Óbidos to Silves and many smaller town festivals, combine spectacle with scholarship to create popular, tourism‑driven events that bring the Middle Ages to life for modern audiences.