Visit the Silves Medieval Fair in Portugal’s Algarve
- Valerie Charoux
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 27
Tourism News Europe - Visit the Silves Medieval Fair in Portugal’s Algarve in August 8-16. Here is what is the Silves Medieval Fair and the image gallery:
When visiting Portugal’s Algarve this summer, visit the iconic Silves Medieval Fair that has several shows scheduled in August under the theme “Xilb, The Final Conquest”. Xilb is the ancient name of Silves when it was under Muslim rule, and it is where the last Abhabid king of the Taifa of Seville, al-Mu'tamid, lived while he was still a prince.
1 - What is the Silves Medieval Fair in Portugal’s Algarve?
One of the most famous festivals and fairs in Portugal is the Silves Medieval Fair during the second week of August in the Algarve. The sale of wristbands that grant access to the entire 9-day event starts on July 31st and they cost between 4 and 5 euros per person. They can be purchased at the Silves Municipal Library, at Silves Castle, and at the Municipal Archaeology Museum.
The Silves Medieval Fair in Portugal’s Algarve re-creates the wonder of living during medieval times in the historic area of the city of Silves in a setting of fantasy and pure enchantment, with exotic aromas, plenty of historical entertainment, and the presence of more than a hundred mystics and merchants that bring Silves back to the Middle Ages.
The Silves Medieval Fair festivities are from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m everyday from August 8 – 16, with a procession through the streets of the Medina and the surrounding areas, starting at Al-Mut'amid Square. The medieval procession is followed by a welcoming performance by the Vizir group of Medinat Xilb.
At 7 p.m., a show that is a cooking event is scheduled at Al-Mut'amid Square, to teach some of the secrets of Arab gastronomy.
Silves Cathedral will be the setting the spiritual and contemplative music recital "From Al-Andalus to Rumi's Persia" at 8:00 pm. The music includes sound compositions from the three cultures and religions that coexisted peacefully in Al-Andalus: Christians, Muslims, and Sephardic Jews.
Between 8 and 10:30 p.m., at the same location, a medieval wargames show of duels of honor and passion will take place.
At 10:30 p.m., the show "Oriental Nights at Xaraîb" takes over Silves Castle. This event, that is one of the most anticipated during the festival, combines music, dance, and fire, with Eastern influences, celebrating the culture of the ancient Kingdom of Algarve.
The video show "Xilb, the Last Conquest", that relives the final moments of ancient Muslim Silves with epic music, captivating narration, and visuals that are a tribute to the memory of a legendary city, will be shown at 9:00 pm, 10:00 pm, 11:00 pm, and midnight.
2 - Where is Silves in Portugal?
Silves is located in the district of Faro in Portugal’s Algarve. During Muslim rule, Silves was named Xilb or al-Shilb and it is where the last Abhabid king of the Taifa of Seville, al-Mu'tamid, lived while he was still a prince.
The city of Silves was, for several centuries, the capital of the Algarve, namely during the Muslim rule and during the period of Portuguese maritime expansion.
3 - Image Gallery of the Silves Medieval Fair in Portugal’s Algarve
