“The Mosque, Symbol and Power” is the fair’s 18th edition theme between August 10 and 20.
Silves’ Medieval Fair returns for its 18th edition between August 10 and 20. During 11 days, the city, once known as Xilb (Silves) and the region’s capital, recreates the atmosphere of its Moorish past.
With “The Mosque, Symbol and Power” as its central theme, the fair highlights “the history of the construction and consecration of its mosque as a place of worship and symbolic manifestation in the beginnings of the Islamization of a territory that became one of the biggest political and cultural centres of the Gharb al-Andalus”, says the Municipality.
During the fair, an Íman will recite prayers, a Vizier will welcome all visitors, and the call to prayer will echo from the tall minaret through Al-Muezzin.
These will be days of contagious festivities, animated by the cries of vendors, the sound of music and vibrant dances inspired by memories of the East.
The mystical atmosphere of the Medieval Fair begins daily, at 18:00, with the Medieval Parade, where participants dressed in period costumes will parade through the streets of the Medina and Arrabaldes. War Games, during which “the rebel Yahyâ Ibn Bakr Ibn Zadlaf, who took possession of the territory, faces off against the Umayyad army”, takes place at 20:00 and 22:30 in Al-Mut’amid Square. While Oriental Nights, dazzling music, dance, and fire displays are on at 22:30 at Silves Castle.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere with gastronomy, shows and historical entertainment, with more than a hundred exhibitors present, including artisans, confectioners, mystics and merchants.
Revealing the city and its territory’s rich history is an ongoing objective for the Municipality of Silves. “This event is a historical recreation that gives soul and the colour so particular to Silves and its people. People, religions, cultures, and very diverse ways of being were lived here, leaving us with knowledge and ways of being that are very peculiar to us. Culture is a hallmark of this city and is deeply linked to this heritage of which we are very proud”, explains Silves Mayor Rosa Palma.
Registration is open for volunteers
Volunteers wishing to take part in the fair can do so by registering on the Municipality’s website until July 31: https://www.cm-silves.pt/Preview.aspx?pageID=20277
Registration is open to people over 16, “with availability, motivation, team spirit and responsibility, who wish to collaborate in different areas, supporting entertainment and shows, participating in parades, among others”, says the Municipality, inviting all those wanting to be part of history to sign-up.
For more information, contact the event’s organisation via e-mail: [email protected]
