Event Details
Welcome to the Vila Franca de Xira October Fair 2026
From 2 to 11 October 2026, Vila Franca de Xira, located on the Tagus river north of Lisbon, becomes the center of one of Portugal's most traditional bullfighting festivals. The centuries old Feira Anual de Outubro combines street bull runs, bullfights at the historic Palha Blanco arena, a large crafts fair and an extensive music program; the town is often nicknamed the "Portuguese Seville" for its deep ties to tauromachy.
Highlights
- Traditional Esperas de Touros (bull runs) through the streets of the old town
- Bullfights, including a mixed corrida, at the historic Praça de Touros Palha Blanco
- 45th edition of the Salão de Artesanato craft fair in the Pavilhão Multiusos
- International Concurso de Recortadores closing the season
- Live music, live cooking shows and street vendors in the Parque Urbano
- Numerous market stalls (feirantes) with regional products
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Program
The bull run on Saturday, 3 October, starts at 4:30 PM through the town's streets; on the following days, 4, 5, 6 and 7 October, the esperas start at 10:30 AM each morning. At the Palha Blanco arena, a mixed corrida (corrida mista) takes place on Sunday, 4 October, followed by the traditional evening bullfight on Tuesday, 6 October. The arena season closes on 10 October with the Concurso Internacional de Recortadores. At the same time, the Salão de Artesanato opens in the Pavilhão Multiusos of the Parque Urbano, where around a hundred craftspeople from across Portugal present work in clay, metal, wood, cork and glass. Outside, market stalls, food vendors and a daily music program keep the festive atmosphere going.
Tickets
Access to the Parque Urbano, the market stalls and the Salão de Artesanato is free, as is watching the street bull runs. Separate tickets are required for the bullfights at the Praça de Touros Palha Blanco, priced according to seating category. Tickets are available through palhablanco.pt, by phone, and at the arena box office on the day of the event.
Visitor Tips
- Keep a safe distance during the bull runs and follow the instructions of the stewards.
- Book tickets for popular bullfights early, as they tend to sell out.
- A shuttle service connects several neighboring towns to central Vila Franca de Xira during the fair.
- Vila Franca de Xira is easily reached from Lisbon by train.
- Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the festival spans several locations across town.
