Countdown begins for Portugal’s biggest medieval festival

Portugal’s largest medieval festival is just around the corner as the Viagem Medieval returns to Santa Maria da Feira, in the north, for its 30th edition from July 29 to August 9.

The festival is expected to attract around 600,000 visitors, with organisers describing it as the “largest medieval recreation in the Iberian Peninsula”.

Spread across 40 hectares in the historic centre of the town, this year’s event will feature 96 daily performances, 18 themed areas and six food courts, bringing to life the period leading up to the foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal.

The 2026 edition is dedicated to the County of Portugal (Condado Portucalense) and the events that preceded the country’s independence. For the first time, professional actors have been cast in the leading historical roles, with Custódia Gallego portraying D. Teresa and Tiago Aldeia playing D. Afonso Henriques.

According to organisers, this year’s programme explores the political tensions and power struggles that shaped the birth of Portugal, highlighting the determination of D. Teresa and the vision that would eventually lead Afonso Henriques to become the country’s first king.

Visitors will be able to watch daily historical parades led by the two protagonists. From Monday to Saturday, Afonso Henriques’ procession departs Praça do Convento at 4.30pm, while D. Teresa’s parade begins from the same location at 6pm before heading towards the tournament arena. Both events conclude with opportunities for visitors to meet the actors and take photographs.

Throughout the festival, the streets will be filled with hundreds of performers portraying kings, queens, knights, nobles, merchants, artisans and peasants, while the programme includes jousting tournaments, falconry displays, medieval music, theatre performances, knightly combat and nightly spectacles.

Families are also well catered for, with activities including children’s workshops, squire training, archery, juggling demonstrations and an animal farm.

One of the event’s more unusual traditions will also continue this year: every baby born at Hospital de São Sebastião, in Santa Maria da Feira, during the festival will receive free lifetime admission to future editions of the Viagem Medieval.

Day tickets cost €6 from Sunday to Thursday and €8 on Fridays and Saturdays. Visitors planning to attend multiple days can purchase a 12-day wristband for €10, offering unlimited access throughout the festival. Tickets can be purchased online.

The full programme can be found on the event’s website.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.