Event Details
Welcome to the Mercado Medieval de Óbidos 2026
From 16 to 26 July 2026, the historic walled village of Óbidos steps back in time to the 14th century. This year's festival is themed around King D. Fernando I and Leonor Teles, telling the dramatic story of a monarch whose passion for a controversial queen shook the foundations of medieval Portugal. Within the ancient stone walls of Óbidos Castle, knights, troubadours, merchants, jugglers and fire-breathers bring one of Europe's most atmospheric medieval festivals to life across 11 consecutive days.
Highlights
- Jousting tournaments on horseback and sword fights in the arena beside the castle
- Falconry displays with eagles, hawks and owls
- Medieval music featuring bagpipes, lutes and drums performed by Portuguese and international groups
- Street theatre from specialist historical performance companies
- Fire breathers, jugglers and dancers throughout the cobbled lanes
- Serão Real: exclusive medieval banquet with troubadours (limited capacity, separate ticket)
- Over 30 medieval taverns serving traditional Portuguese recipes
- Large artisan and traders market with jewellery, spices, weapons and crafts
Opening Hours
The festival runs for 11 days with the following schedule:
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – midnight
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – midnight
Gates close one hour before the festival ends each day.
Tickets & Prices
Tickets are available online through the official platform and at the entrance ticket offices:
- General admission (12 years and over): €12
- Children's ticket (ages 4 to 11): €8
- Children under 4: free entry
- Student ticket (up to age 25): €11
- Senior ticket (65 and over): €11
- Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): €36
- Family ticket (2 adults + 3 children): €42
- Groups of 25 or more: €10.50 per person
- Groups of 50 or more: €10.00 per person
- Costume discount (medieval dress, 12+, at venue ticket office only): €10
- Costume discount (medieval dress, ages 4 to 11, at venue only): €6
- Serão Real Nobre (exclusive banquet): €99 adults, €59 children
- Serão Real Burguês (medieval banquet): €89 adults, €49 children
Residents of Óbidos enter free of charge with their national identity card. Medieval costume rental is available near the Tourist Information office inside the village.
Food & Market
More than 30 medieval taverns inside the castle walls serve dishes based on traditional Portuguese recipes: spit-roasted suckling pig, lamb stew, Alentejo bread, mountain cheese, dried fruits and mead. Do not miss the Ginjinha de Óbidos, the famous local cherry liqueur served in an edible chocolate cup. The artisan market offers leatherwork, ironwork, spices, fabrics, silver and copper jewellery, medicinal herbs and wooden toys for children.
Getting There
- By car: Motorway A8 from Lisbon towards Leiria, exit for Óbidos. Free parking is available near the town walls, but fills quickly at weekends.
- By bus: Rede Expressos runs several daily services from Lisbon (Sete Rios terminal) to Óbidos, journey time approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
- By train: Train from Lisbon to Caldas da Rainha, then bus or taxi to Óbidos.
Visitor Tips
- This is one of the largest medieval festivals on the Iberian Peninsula; arrive early as entry may be stopped when the venue reaches capacity.
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the quietest days with the smallest crowds.
- Wearing an authentic medieval costume earns a discounted ticket at the venue box office. Costumes must represent 12th to 14th century European dress; jeans, plastic, and modern accessories are not allowed.
- Accommodation in Óbidos or nearby Caldas da Rainha should be booked several months in advance.
- The full program with show times is available as a downloadable PDF on the festival's official website.
