Aljubarrota celebrates 640 years of the historic battle with four days of medieval festivities

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The town of Aljubarrota is preparing to travel back in time and mark the 640th anniversary of the Battle of Aljubarrota with a grand historical festival, taking place from August 14th to 17th. For four days, the town will be transformed into an authentic medieval setting, with taverns, music, theater, parades, horse tournaments, and historical reenactments, all with free admission.

The event, which takes place daily from 11:00 AM to midnight, invites visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the period, with highlights including medieval meals, fire shows every night at 11:00 PM, traditional games, and themed workshops, such as longbow and weapons training. There will also be roving entertainment, period characters, dances, jugglers, jesters, and swindlers through the town streets.

Each day has a central theme. August 14th is the Day of King John I, highlighted by the opening procession, ceremonies honoring historical figures, equestrian baptisms for young people, and a tournament in honor of the king. The following day, August 15th, is Aljubarrota Baker's Day, with a mass and procession, as well as tournaments and performances.

On August 16th, the program honors D. Nuno Álvares Pereira with new tournaments and commemorative ceremonies. The highlight of the celebrations will be on Sunday, August 17th, the Battle of Aljubarrota Day, which begins with an archery tournament and culminates at 6:00 pm with a grand recreation of the battle on the very field where the 1385 confrontation took place. The day concludes with the traditional victory procession and another fireworks display.

Throughout the event, it is also possible to visit the exhibition “O Dia de Aljubarrota”, at Casa da Janela Manuelina, which includes replicas of armory and the reconstruction of D. João I's loudel, a symbolic piece of the Portuguese victory.

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