Coimbra Medieval Fair

Coimbra, Capital of the Kingdom – 12th Century

With the theme “Coimbra, Capital of the Kingdom – 12th Century,” the 31st edition of the Coimbra Medieval Fair will return to the city’s historic center on July 17, 18, and 19, with a program that includes historical reenactments in public spaces. The initiative, organized by the Coimbra City Council (CM) in collaboration with various partners, features a daily program that includes a variety of workshops, period concerts, theater performances, and parades, with strong participation from Coimbra’s civic organizations, as well as a complementary program involving local businesses.

Coimbra will travel back to the 12th century with another edition of the Medieval Fair, this time under the theme “Coimbra, Capital of the Kingdom.” The Fair will take place over three days at Largo da Sé Velha, extending to Quebra-Costas, Pátio do Castilho, Arco de Almedina, and Rua Ferreira Borges, as well as the Machado de Castro National Museum and the Almedina Tower.

The Machado de Castro National Museum will host the guided workshop “Discovering the Mozarabic Arch at the MNMC” on the 18th at 4:00 p.m., aimed at families, with free admission, but prior registration is required (via email: [email protected]). On the same day, at 6:00 p.m., the Encerrado para Obras Theater Company will perform the “Trov’Antiga” concert in the Loggia space. On Sunday at 11:00 a.m., the MNMC will host an educational workshop on medieval musical instruments led by Encerrado para Obras; admission is free and subject to space availability.

Meanwhile, the Almedina Tower will host a workshop titled “Research on Medieval Musical Instruments and Writing Media,” under the scientific coordination of João Santos Costa, on Saturday, the 18th, at 2:30 p.m. (free admission, but subject to space availability).

The Claustros da Sé Velha will continue to host the Medieval Banquet (registration is already full). The same venue will host, on Saturday and Sunday at 3:30 p.m., Historical Gastronomy workshops dedicated to “Medieval Cuisine.” The first is open to the general public, and the second is aimed at children ages 10 to 15 and families. Participation in both requires registration (by July 15) via email at [email protected] (for a maximum of 20 participants).

The program also includes a tour of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Coimbra Museum Complex, led by researcher João Santos Costa, open to the general public. The tour will take place on Sunday, the 19th, at 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is required via email at [email protected] (limited to 20 participants).

Involvement of Local Businesses and Community Organizations

Local businesses will also be involved in the event’s program, with restaurants offering menus inspired by the medieval era. The presence of Coimbra’s civic organizations is also highlighted in the program, with the following entities participating: Wolfdance Academy of Culture and Sports (ACDW Association); Heritage of the Past Association; São Frutuoso Cultural, Sports, and Social Center; Sobral de Ceira Workers’ Community Center; Coimbra Folk Group; “As Moleirinhas” Folk and Ethnographic Group of Casconha; Vila Nova (de Cernache) Traditional Folk Group; Arzila Folkloric and Ethnographic Group; “O Vigor da Mocidade” Recreational Group; and Loureiro Sports and Recreational Association. In addition, the Gymnastics Section of the Coimbra Academic Association, the Vox Aetherea Group, the Encerrado para Obras Theater Company, and the Magna Costa Cultural Association were hired for the event. The Josefa de Óbidos Association is providing the costumes for the Medieval Banquet.

The Medieval Fair takes place starting Friday, the 17th, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight, continuing on Saturday, the 18th, from 10:00 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday, the 19th, from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

The medieval reenactment is organized by the Coimbra City Council, which is once again partnering with the Agency for the Promotion of Downtown Coimbra, the Diocese of Coimbra, the Coimbra School of Hospitality and Tourism, the Machado de Castro National Museum, the Social Services Department of the University of Coimbra, and the Union of Parishes of Coimbra.