Stories of love, betrayals and heartbreak by Silves’ poets inspire this year’s edition of the Silves Medieval Fair
Silves is preparing to host the 19th edition of its Medieval Fair, one of the biggest summer events held in the Algarve.
From August 9 to 17, the town will go back several centuries to a time when it had a different name (Xilb) and held vital importance to the region then known as Gharb Al-Andalus.
“The westernmost city of Gharb al-Andalus was famous not only for the beauty of its palaces, the impregnability of its walls, or the sweetness of its apples and figs, which were exported worldwide. Silves was well known for its poets, who left us not only with the beauty of their verses’ metrics but also with many stories of loves, betrayals, and heartbreaks experienced by some of its most illustrious inhabitants,” the municipal council says.
These stories will inspire part of the entertainment of this year’s medieval fair, which will follow the theme ‘Xilb, city of love and heartbreak’, and will feature the usual street performances, processions, fire shows and much more.
Over 100 exhibitors will be taking part in the event, including craftspeople, confectioners, “mystics” and merchants.
The medieval procession starts every day at 6pm, marking the start of the fair, while the Al-Mutamid square will host the popular ‘War Games’ at 8pm and 10.30pm, featuring a “confrontation between Yahyâ Ibn Bakr Ibn Zadlaf and the Umayyad army”. Meanwhile, the ‘Nights of the Orient’ light up Silves Castle at 10.30pm with a “spectacular display of music, dance, and fire.”
As local mayor Rosa Palma puts it, Silves’ culture and rich history are at the heart of the event. “Historical recreations give the event its soul, reflecting the unique colour of Silves and its people. Silves is a treasure trove of cultures, religions, and knowledge that shape its unique cultural identity, something we are deeply proud of,” Palma said.
A bracelet granting access to the fairgrounds during all nine days of the event – excluding the special events such as the ‘War Games’ and ‘Nights of the Orient’ – is already on pre-sale for a special price of €4 until August 8. It can be purchased at several locations in Silves, such as the municipal library, castle and museum, as well as at parish councils throughout the borough. Tickets are also due to be sold soon online at www.bol.pt, and at the entrance of the fair during the event.
