Saint Bonaventure Fair 2026
The traditional Saint Bonaventure Fair returns to Arraiolos in July 2026, with ten days of festivities celebrating Alentejo's economy, culture and traditions. Concerts, folklore, gastronomy and sporting activities bring the historic town to life.
The Saint Bonaventure Fair (Feira de São Boaventura) is one of the oldest and most emblematic festive celebrations in the Alentejo region, with documented roots dating back to 1621. In 2026, Arraiolos once again puts on its finery to host this centuries-old celebration that combines tradition, economy and culture in an intense multi-day program.
Organized by the Municipality of Arraiolos, the fair's main goal is to boost the local economy, serving as the showcase par excellence of the economic activities developed in Arraiolos throughout the year. More than fifty exhibitors present Arraiolos rugs, local handicrafts, regional products, Alentejo gastronomy, wines and cured meats.
The fairgrounds, located at the Arraiolos Multiusos, transform into a gathering space with stages featuring some of the best-known names in Portuguese music. Nights stretch into the early hours with concerts, dancing and traditional entertainment. The program also includes folk festivals with regional folklore groups, bull releases, sporting competitions such as aquathlon and fishing contests, and a strong cultural tourism component.
Among the most appreciated traditions are the tastings of typical Alentejo dishes — açorda bread soup, migas, lamb stew, sericaia with Elvas plums — accompanied by regional wines, along with live demonstrations of Arraiolos embroidery, a technique unique in the world and classified as Intangible Heritage.
The fair draws thousands of visitors from across Portugal and abroad, offering an ideal opportunity to discover the heart of Central Alentejo, visit the medieval castle of Arraiolos and the Arraiolos Rug Interpretation Centre. Free admission to the grounds.