Presenting the theme “Xilb, city of lovers and heartbreaks”, the westernmost city in the Gharb al-Andalus, is famous not only for the beauty of its palaces, the resilience of its walls, or the sweetness of its apples and figs, which are exported all over the world. Silves was well known for its poets, the beauty of the metrics of their verses, and many stories of love, betrayal, and disaffection, lived by some of its most illustrious inhabitants.
The sounds of the time will echo through the streets of the city: from the Íman sermon to the Vizier’s welcome to visitors, with the call to prayer by Al-Muezzin ringing from the top of the minaret. Festivities will be enlivened by the preaching of the vendors, engaging music, and vibrant dances that bring back memories of the East.
The medieval procession begins daily at 6pm and marks the start of the Fair’s mystical atmosphere. Dressed in full costume, the participants parade through the Medina and the suburbs. War Games will take place at the Al-Mut’amid square, at 8pm and 10pm, pitting Yahyâ Ibn Bakr Ibn Zadalf against the Umayyad army. The Nights of the East light up Silves Castle at 10.30pm with a spectacular display of music, dance, and fire.
The fair is considered to be a celebration of gastronomy and historical entertainment, with the presence of more than a hundred exhibitors, including artisans, confectioners, mystics and merchants.
At the heart of the Fair is the culture and rich history of Silves, as Rosa Palma, Mayor of Silves, pointed out: “The historical recreation gives soul to the event, reflecting the unique character of Silves and its people. The city is a treasure trove of cultures, religions and knowledge that mould its cultural identity, something we are deeply proud of”.