Silves Medieval Fair returns with tribute to its Islamic golden age

One of the Algarve’s biggest and most popular summer events returns next month as the Silves Medieval Fair transforms the historic city into the bustling medieval capital formerly known as Xilb from August 7 to 15.

Now in its 21st edition, the festival will this year follow the theme of “Xilb, City of Poets and Scholars”, paying tribute to the period when Silves was one of the most important intellectual and cultural centres of al-Andalus – the Muslim kingdom that occupied much of the Iberian Peninsula – renowned for its poets, philosophers, scientists, musicians and jurists.

Known as Xilb under Islamic rule, Silves flourished between the 10th and 12th centuries, becoming one of the wealthiest cities in southern Iberia and a centre of learning whose influence extended well beyond the Algarve.

A city brought back to life

For nine evenings, the city’s medieval streets, squares and castle will once again be filled with more than 100 artisans, merchants, food stalls and performers, recreating everyday life in medieval Silves through traditional crafts, music, dance, theatre and street entertainment.

The event opens each evening at 6pm with the traditional Medieval Parade, winding through the old medina and surrounding streets before a programme of performances continues throughout the night.

One of the biggest crowd-pullers remains the Medieval Tournament, staged twice daily at 8pm and 10.30pm in Praça Al-Mu’tamid, where knights compete in displays of horsemanship and combat.

Inside Silves Castle, visitors can watch traditional craftsmen at work, demonstrating centuries-old techniques that formed part of everyday life during the Middle Ages.

New for 2026

One of this year’s biggest additions is the “Banquets at the Vizier’s Table”.

Held each evening inside the castle,, the pre-booked dining experience recreates an elegant feast inspired by the flavours of Islamic-era Xilb, allowing guests to enjoy dishes based on historical recipes in a setting designed to evoke the lavish banquets of the city’s ruling elite.

Planning your visit

The fair runs daily from 6pm to 1am.

Entry costs €2, while children under 130cm (or aged nine and under when booking online) enter free.

Visitors planning to attend several days can purchase a free-access wristband for €4 in advance (available until August 6) or €5 during the festival.

Tickets for the medieval tournaments and the new Vizier’s Banquet are available separately and should be booked in advance, as places are limited.

Full programme details and ticket information are available on the festival website.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.