Medieval Festival

Dias Medievais in Castro Marim

We made certain to return home in time for the Medieval Festival in Castro Marim, 24-28 August. We had been told it was a popular, fun-filled weekend. However, we didn’t realize exactly how popular it was.

No that is not Batman, but rather a Medieval street performer on bouncing stilts.

Went by Bike

The last time we went to the Castro Marim I think there were only one or two other couples inside the castle during our visit. During last week’s festival, the fire marshal clearly slept as several thousand visitors jammed inside. It is estimated that 100,000 attended the 4-day event. We didn’t want to hassle with parking, so we decided to go by bike. And we’re very glad we did! A long stream of traffic backed up onto the tollway as people streamed into the town. In fact, at 23:00 on Saturday night there was still a long line of people waiting to buy tickets to enter! (The Portuguese and I do not share biological clocks!)

Just out for a stroll.

Over 4 Days

Over the four-day event, you are thrust back into Medieval times. A parade occurs on the first and last day of the event and snakes through the narrow streets. But even if you miss the parade, you are bound to see camels, falcons, fire breathers, pipers, drum groups, belly dancers, swordsmen, and snake charmers as you walk through the market. Vendors sell toy helmets and swords for the kids, and jewelry, candles, and clothing for the adults.

Inside the fort (which was not open to the public during our last visit) there were jousting exhibitions. We also saw a short, “spontaneous” play. As the entire play was in Portuguese, I didn’t catch all the details. But I did observe a “prisoner” being shackled. A priest and swordsman were called, and it appeared he might lose his head. But a woman burst through the crowd to plead for his life.

Graças a Deus! And they lived happily ever after.

We did not participate in the highlight of the event, the Medieval Banquets though we have carnivore friends that did. The banquets take place inside the castle under the “mysterious light of torches” and feature the “best delicacies” of the era as well as live entertainment. (We were told the food really was exceptional!)

One of many places to eat.

Medieval Times

I originally confused this event with a Renaissance Festival. But alas, I had my centuries wrong. Starting in the late fifth century, Medieval time (the Middle or Dark Ages), began when the Roman Emperor lost control of Europe and lasted nearly 1000 years. It was a time when the Moorish influence was most strongly felt in the Iberian Peninsula. Of course, the Renaissance occurred after this time (14th-17th century).

While we learned that the street vendors and performers spend their summers moving from one Medieval Festival to another throughout Portugal, I can’t imagine a better location than Castro Marim. If you live in Portugal or plan a visit in August, make sure you put it on your list!

Next Week: Visiting the Silver Coast and a voting reminder.