Event Details
Welcome to the Feira Medieval de Castelo Mendo
Every April, the historic village of Castelo Mendo in the municipality of Almeida (Guarda district, north-east Portugal) transforms into a thriving medieval city. The Feira Medieval de Castelo Mendo is one of the most atmospheric medieval fairs on the Iberian Peninsula. Nestled between 12th-century granite walls, the Largo do Pelourinho and the Porta da Vila, the event brings the Middle Ages back to life for two days. Admission is free.
The fair is organized annually by the Município de Almeida in collaboration with the parish of Castelo Mendo. The 2026 edition was held under the theme "Saberes e Crenças Medievais" (Medieval Knowledge and Beliefs). Dates for 2027 have not yet been confirmed; updates will appear on the official Almeida municipality website.
Highlights
- Opening procession with knights, ladies and medieval characters through the village lanes
- Jousting tournament on horseback (Torneio Cavaleiresco) outside the city walls
- Ceia Medieval – a ceremonial medieval banquet in the Igreja de São Vicente (advance booking required)
- Fire show at Largo do Pelourinho after nightfall
- Trail of Secrets and Mysteries (Trilho dos Segredos e Mistérios)
- Craft workshops: blacksmith, tannery, historical cooking, coin-minting, ink-making
- Arms and medieval artefact exhibition
- Birds of prey show, reptiles, medieval carousel and traditional games
- House of Superstitions (Casa das Superstições) – immersive interactive experience
- Medieval market with artisans, taverns and traditional food
Program (2026 Edition)
Saturday, 11 April 2026
- 15:00 – Opening procession from Porta da Vila to Largo do Pelourinho
- 15:30 – Parade of medieval figures and creatures through the lanes
- 16:00 – Birds of prey show "Messengers of the Sky" – Porta da Vila
- 16:15 – Story time: "Once upon a time…" – Igreja de São Vicente
- 16:45 – Theatre piece: "Those Persecuted by Leprosy and Other Diseases"
- 17:30 – Wheel of Prophecies – theatrical spectacle
- 18:00 – Circle of Ancient Knowledge: "Mysteries of the Earth and its People" – Largo do Pelourinho
- 19:00 – Ceia Medieval (medieval banquet) – Igreja de São Vicente
- 21:30 – Trail of Secrets and Mysteries
- 23:00 – Fire show – Largo do Pelourinho
Sunday, 12 April 2026
- 11:00 – Opening procession through the village lanes
- 11:45 – Birds of prey show – Porta da Vila
- 12:00 – Ambulant entertainment through the lanes
- 14:00 – Theatre piece: "The Auction of the Courtesans"
- 14:30 – Circle dances with ASTA
- 15:00 – Birds of prey show – Porta da Vila
- 15:30 – Theatre piece: "Those Persecuted by Leprosy and Other Diseases"
- 16:15 – Story time – Igreja de São Vicente
- 17:00 – Jousting tournament and Judgement of the Witch – extra muros
- 18:30 – Procession through the squares and visit to the Casa das Superstições
- 19:00 – Closing procession through the lanes of the Burgo
About the Historic Village of Castelo Mendo
Castelo Mendo is part of the Aldeias Históricas de Portugal (Historic Villages of Portugal) network. Located approximately 30 km east of the city of Guarda, near the Spanish border, the village consists of two distinct walled areas: the Burgo Velho, with its ruined castle and Romanesque church dating to the 12th century, and the Burgo Novo (Arrabalde de São Pedro), built in the Gothic style under King Dom Dinis. A royal charter (foral) dating to 1229 already authorized the holding of a fair in Castelo Mendo, making today's medieval market a direct continuation of an 800-year-old tradition.
Ceia Medieval – The Medieval Banquet
One of the most popular highlights is the Ceia Medieval, held on Saturday evening inside the Igreja de São Vicente. Guests dine to the sound of troubadour singing in a fully immersive medieval setting. Participation is paid and requires advance booking. Contact for reservations: (+351) 912 149 316 or (+351) 965 517 904.
Craft Workshops
Throughout both days, interactive workshops run for visitors of all ages. Activities include blacksmithing, tanning, historical cooking, coin-minting and the making of iron-gall ink (Tintas Gálicas). At each workshop station, visitors receive a stamp for their Passaporte Medieval (Medieval Passport).
Visitor Tips
- Admission is free; only the Ceia Medieval and food from the taverns are chargeable.
- The village is very small. Arrive early and park outside the walls.
- A costume is not required but most performers and many visitors dress up, adding greatly to the atmosphere.
- The ground is cobbled and uneven; sturdy footwear is strongly recommended.
- Accommodation in the immediate area is limited; book in Almeida, Guarda or Pinhel well in advance.
- The event takes place in all weather; bring a warm and waterproof layer for April evenings.
- 2027 dates will be published on the Município de Almeida website once confirmed.
Getting There
- By car: From Guarda, take the N16 westward for approx. 30 km toward Almeida, then follow signs to Castelo Mendo.
- Nearest train stations: Vilar Formoso or Guarda; onward travel by taxi or private vehicle is recommended.
- GPS coordinates: 40°34'N, 7°01'W
