Medieval Market in Obidos
Óbidos is a beautiful medieval town located in the central-western part of Portugal. The city of Óbidos is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and impressive castle. It is also known for its annual chocolate festival and the annual medieval market that we’ve recently attended.
Óbidos has a rich history that dates back to Roman times. It was later conquered by the Moors and eventually became a part of Portugal in the 12th century after the Christian reconquest. The iconic Castle of Óbidos, also known as Castelo de Óbidos, is one of the main attractions of the city. It was originally built by the Moors but was extensively renovated and expanded during the medieval period. Óbidos is surrounded by well-preserved medieval walls, which offer fantastic views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
The city is known for its charming whitewashed houses adorned with colorful bougainvillea, making it a picturesque and Instagram-worthy destination. Óbidos offers delicious traditional Portuguese cuisine, and you can try local specialties like ginja, a cherry liqueur served in edible chocolate cups.
O Mercado Medieval de Óbidos
Surrounded by walls, the festival transforms the charming town of Óbidos into a bustling medieval village, complete with period costumes, decorations, and traditional music, providing a unique and immersive experience. This year’s theme is the War of Queens. The main animation space is located next to the castle and is the scene of tournaments on horse or on foot, medieval suppers and the market, where everything is sold, from costumes of the time to traditional drinks.
During the festival, you can witness historical reenactments of battles, jousting tournaments, and other medieval spectacles that bring the past to life. Various artisans and traders set up stalls and workshops, showcasing traditional crafts, such as pottery, blacksmithing, weaving, and leatherwork, allowing visitors to purchase authentic medieval-style items.
Gastronomic Delights: The festival offers a wide array of medieval-inspired food and drinks, including hearty stews, roasted meats, mead, and other traditional delicacies.
Entertainment: There are performances by musicians, jugglers, and actors, all contributing to the festive atmosphere and creating an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Themed Activities: Visitors have the opportunity to participate in activities like archery, sword fighting, and other medieval games, adding an interactive element to the event.
Candlelit Evenings: As the sun sets, the festival is illuminated by candlelight, creating a magical and enchanting ambiance throughout the town.
Duration: The Óbidos Medieval Festival usually lasts for several days, giving visitors ample time to explore and enjoy all the festivities. This year is lasted for 11 days and I completely forgot about it!
The Óbidos Medieval Festival is a captivating celebration that attracts both locals and tourists alike, providing a memorable experience that transports participants back in time to the enchanting world of the Middle Ages.
More information can be found on the official website: https://mercadomedievalobidos.pt
