XX Silves Medieval Fair invites you to relive the “Final Conquest”

The city's streets are once again dressed up to welcome the XX Silves Medieval Fair , between the 8th and 16th of August.

Over eight days, XILB (Silves), the former capital of the Kingdom of Al-Gharb, which today corresponds to the Algarve, will return to the past and relive its "Final Conquest", the theme that marks the 20th edition of the Silves Medieval Fair.

By recreating the experiences of the period of the last conquest of this historic city by the Almohad Caliphate, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere of yesteryear and take a journey back in time to the period between the first Christian conquest of the city (which occurred in 1189, during the reign of D. Sancho I) and the Muslim reconquest (which occurred in 1191), a landmark moment in which Abu Yusuf Yakub Almanzor, the Almohad caliph, once again took control of the XILB.

This year, the Silves Medieval Fair celebrates 20 years of history, authenticity, culture, and historical recreations with the usual hallmarks of an event steeped in historical rigor and artistic quality, combining entertainment with heritage appreciation, with extra attention to detail: period costumes, decorations, gastronomy, and traditional crafts.

“The Silves Medieval Fair is already a true symbol of the municipality’s cultural identity”, as highlighted by Rosa Palma, Mayor .

The event will once again bring to the city's historic center a fantasy setting, with sounds from other eras, exotic aromas, and entertainment, featuring the presence of more than a hundred exhibitors, including artisans, craftsmen, confectioners, mystics, and merchants, thus transforming it into a living stage of the Middle Ages.

Every day at 6:00 PM, the Medieval Parade kicks off the Fair's atmosphere. Dressed in formal attire, participants parade through the Medina and the surrounding suburbs. Al-Mut'amid Square will host the War Games at 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM.

This special edition will also be marked by the premiere of two shows.

At 9:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m. and midnight, the video show «Xilb, the Last Conquest» revives the last moments of ancient Muslim Silves.

With epic music, engaging narration, and visuals that blend with the historical setting, this is a tribute to the strength of a people and the memory of a legendary city.

Silves Cathedral is now preparing to host, at 8:00 pm, the recital of spiritual and contemplative music "From Al-Andalus to Rumi's Persia".

It is a sound journey through the sound compositions of the three cultures and religions that coexisted peacefully in Al-Andalus (Christians, Muslims and Sephardic Jews).

The XX Silves Medieval Fair will feature the visual signature of photographer André Boto.

Tickets now on pre-sale

Free access wristbands for the XX Silves Medieval Fair are now available for pre-sale.

In this sense, until August 7th, you can purchase your free movement bracelet at one of the many points of sale located throughout the municipality.

The value of the wristbands during the pre-sale period is four euros, giving free access to the event venue during the fair days, with the exception of the following shows: «Xilb, Final Conquest»; «From Al-Andalus to Rumi's Persia» and «Xilb, The Spears of Reconquest».

From August 8th until the end of the event, free access wristbands will cost five euros and must be purchased at the ticket office.

Points of sale:

Silves: Silves Municipal Library; Silves Castle; Municipal Archaeology Museum; Silves Municipal Swimming Pools; Art Effects Beauty Institute; Duarte & Duarte Stationery – Castle store; Duarte & Duarte Stationery – Continente store; Real Kenza – Boutique; Ana & Joana Crafts, (store 1) and (store 2); Esmeralda Jewellery – Silves; JR Snack Bar; Divina Doçura Silves – next to Al-Muthamid square (Pastry shop); Servesul Silves Real Estate; Lenita Snack Bar; Baú D'Avó-Crafts; Nanda Café; Alentejo Com Pão; Recém Mamã – Children's Store; Southern Sweets; Zephyr Gallery.

Armação de Pêra: Parish Council of Armação de Pêra; Gormial, lda – Real Estate Mediation – Armação de Pêra.

S. Bartolomeu de Messines: SB de Messines Parish Council; João de Deus House Museum; Museum of Costume and Traditions; Messinense Café; Village Stationery Shop – SB Messines.

São Marcos da Serra: Parish Council of SM da Serra.

Alcantarilha: Parish Council of Pêra.

Pear: Alcantarilha Parish Council.

Algoz: Algoz Parish Council.

Tunes: Parish Council of Tunes.