The 27th edition of the Medieval Days of Castro Marim took place between 26 and 30 August, attracting thousands of visitors to the historic centre, the Castle and Forte de São Sebastião. Organized by the Municipality of Castro Marim, the event recorded a substantial increase in the number of visitors, with an increasingly significant presence of foreign audiences. The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Culture, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, at the Church of Nossa Senhora dos Mártires.
For five days, kings and queens, knights, jesters, troubadours, merchants, monks, ladies and nobles occupied the streets and historic spaces of the town in a reenactment of the medieval era. The programme featured 30 national and international entertainment groups, 45 arts and crafts represented, including blacksmiths and weaving, as well as the traditional medieval horse tournaments at the Castle, classified as National Heritage. The exhibitions dedicated to Instruments of Torture and Punishment and the First Seat of the Order of Christ, as well as the medieval banquets inside the Castle, recorded sold-out capacity.
The traditional medieval parade took place on the first and last day of the event, with increased participation from local associations, clubs and Parish Councils. Entertainment was also directed at children, with workshops, games, carousels and other activities distributed throughout the venue, featuring the mascot Marim.
The edition maintained its commitment to environmental sustainability, reducing waste and using reusable materials, including a clay cup commemorating the event. The Municipality of Castro Marim is already looking ahead to 2027, intending to introduce new proposals and continue strengthening what is one of the main events in the cultural and tourism calendar of the municipality.
