Medieval Fair in Coimbra to broaden its horizons
The 30th edition of Portugal's oldest medieval fair in Coimbra is set to take place from July 18 to 20, 2025, promising an expanded and enriching experience for visitors. This year, the fair will occupy a larger area than previous years, accommodating approximately 40 merchants and artisans, offering a broader variety of crafts and products [1].
Set in the historic city of Coimbra, renowned for its deep history and medieval heritage, the fair is expected to be held in the city's central cultural venues, as part of its annual celebrations [3][2]. While the exact locations within Coimbra for the fair’s expansion are not yet specified, the event's connection to the city's cultural infrastructure, including its university and artisanal guilds, is well established [1][2][3].
Besides merchants and artisans, the fair traditionally collaborates with Coimbra University and local cultural institutions, which contribute with performances and exhibitions, enhancing the medieval ambiance with historical accuracy and live cultural experiences [2]. The fair also integrates local craftspeople and traditional associations, helping maintain authentic medieval crafts and practices.
Though the specific new partnerships and cultural institutions involved in organising the 30th edition are not yet named, the fair’s connection to Coimbra’s cultural identity is evident. The event grows each year by expanding merchant participation and venue use [1][2][3].
Forty merchants and artisans will transform the streets into an authentic medieval market, offering a wide range of goods, from handcrafted items to traditional food and beverages. The programme includes a game visit that explores medieval stone sculptures and the treasure of Queen Santa.
Gelataria Così, Fangas Maior, and Piano Negro are among the commercial establishments participating, offering gastronomic and cultural offerings in line with the medieval theme. The event has free programming, making it accessible to all.
The Machado de Castro National Museum has created an exclusive programme for the fair, featuring a medieval concert, workshops, and a multimedia workshop where participants create a short-animated film using their mobile phones. Concerts, tournaments, workshops, parades, historical reenactments, and theatrical performances by the Almanach cooperative are also expected at the fair.
The fair's theme is "The Reign of the Almost Perfect Couple: Dom Dinis and Santa Isabel." The dinner will feature a menu prepared by the Social Action Services of the University of Coimbra (SASUC) and entertainment provided by the Almanach cooperative. Greater involvement from some commercial establishments is a feature of the 2025 edition.
The Coimbra Medieval Fair, with its expanded space, engagement with cultural and artisanal associations, and hosting within the city’s historically rich areas during the annual festivities, promises to be a vibrant, historically immersive celebration aligned with Coimbra’s cultural identity [1][2][3]. The event is already sold out, indicating a high level of public interest and excitement for this year's edition.
In line with Coimbra's rich cultural identity, the 30th Coimbra Medieval Fair is expected to feature collaborations with local universities and cultural institutions, offering visitors a lifestyle immersed in home-and-garden artisanal practices, tourism experiences, and news about Portugal's medieval history. The fair's theme, "The Reign of the Almost Perfect Couple: Dom Dinis and Santa Isabel," will showcase authentic medieval crafts, practices, and performances, including a medieval concert, workshops, and a short-animated film created using mobile phones.
