Silves prepares for the return of its most popular annual summer event – the Silves Medieval Fair, taking place from August 8 to 16.
The ‘Final Conquest’ is the theme of the 20th edition of the event, which this year features the premiere of two shows: ‘Xilb, the Final Conquest’ and ‘From Al-Andalus to Rumi’s Persia’.
For nine consecutive days, XILB (Silves), the most important city in the westernmost part of al-Andalus, will return to the past and relive its ‘Final Conquest’.
This year, visitors will have the opportunity to travel back to the year 1248, when D. Paio Peres Correia, Master of the Military Order of Santiago and at the behest of King Afonso III, conquered the city from the Almohad Empire, where it had reigned for over 100 years.
Through the many re-enactments, it will be possible to experience the unique atmosphere of yesteryear and take a real journey back in time, learning about the daily lives of the people who lived there.
This year, the Silves Medieval Fair marks 20 years of authenticity, culture and historical re-enactments with the usual hallmark of an event steeped in artistic quality, combining entertainment with heritage, gastronomy and traditional crafts.
There will be street performances, over 100 exhibitors, including craftspeople, mystics and merchants, all eager to transform the town into a living stage of the Middle Ages.
Every day at 6pm, the Medieval Parade marks the beginning of the fair. Dressed in full costume, participants parade through the Medina. The Al-Mutamid Square will be the stage for the War Games at 8pm and 10.30pm.
This special edition will also feature the premiere of two shows. At 9pm, 10pm, 11pm and midnight, the video show ‘Xilb, the Final Conquest’ revives the last moments of ancient Muslim Silves. Meanwhile, Silves Cathedral will host the recital of spiritual and contemplative music, entitled ‘From Al-Andalus to Rumi’s Persia’ at 8pm. It promises to be a musical journey through the three cultures and religions that coexisted peacefully in Al-Andalus (Christians, Muslims and Sephardic Jews).
Free-access wristbands are already on pre-sale – until August 7, you can purchase a wristband at one of the many sale outlets located throughout the municipality (see below).
The price of the wristbands during the pre-sale period is €4, giving free access to the event during the days of the fair, with the exception of the following shows: ‘Xilb, Final Conquest’; ‘From Al-Andalus to Rumi’s Persia’ and ‘Xilb, The Spears of the Reconquest’.
From August 8 until the end of the event, free-access wristbands will cost €5 and must be purchased at the ticket offices.
Daily tickets cost from €2 – full ticket information here.
Ticket outlets:
- Silves: Silves Municipal Library; Silves Castle; Municipal Archaeology Museum; Silves Municipal Swimming Pools; Art Effects Beauty Institute; Papelaria Duarte & Duarte – Castle shop; Papelaria Duarte & Duarte – Continente shop; Real Kenza – Boutique; Artesanato Ana & Joana, (shop 1) and (shop 2); Ourivesaria Esmeralda – Silves; Snack Bar JR; Divina Doçura Silves – next to Al-Muthamid Square (Pastry shop); Servesul Silves Real Estate; Lenita Snack Bar; Baú D’Avó-Handicrafts; Nanda Café; Alentejo Com Pão; Recém Mamã – Children’s Store; Doçaria do Sul; Zephyr Gallery.
- Armação de Pêra: Armação de Pêra Parish Council; Gormial, lda – Real Estate Agency – Armação de Pêra.
- S. Bartolomeu de Messines: Parish Council of S. B. de Messines; João de Deus House Museum; Costume and Traditions Museum; Café Messinense; Papelaria da Vila – S.B. Messines.
- São Marcos da Serra: Parish Council of S. M. da Serra.
- Alcantarilha: Parish Council of Pêra.
- Pêra: Parish Council of Alcantarilha.
- Algoz: Parish Council of Algoz.
- Tunes: Parish Council of Tunes.
282 440 800 (sector de Turismo) | feira.medieval@cm-silves.pt























