The Feira de Santa Iria returns to Tomar from 16 to 25 October, marking 400 years since it was established in 1626. This year’s programme brings together the traditions that have survived for centuries with a new music festival featuring some of Portugal’s best-known performers.

The fair began life as a place for local trade, attracting everyone from shoemakers and grocers to fish sellers, tavern keepers and vegetable merchants. Although its purpose has changed considerably over four centuries, the event itself has endured, with the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 among its rare interruptions.

Today, the ten-day celebration fills Tomar with food stalls, fairground rides, entertainment and music, while some of its oldest customs remain firmly on the programme.

Big names for the 400th anniversary

The major addition for 2026 is the Iria Music Fest, opening on 16 October with DJ Padre Guilherme.

Chico da Tina and P*ta da Loucura follow on 17 October, while Tomar’s own Quinta do Bill perform on 20 October. Ivandro and the Smells Like 90’s show take over on the 21st, followed by ÁTOA on 22 October.

GNR and electronic duo Karetus share the bill on 23 October, before Bárbara Tinoco performs on 24 October.

There will also be appearances from FH5, Banda Réplika, I Love The 90’s, DJ JBK and DJ Superfly, as well as fado, folklore and other entertainment throughout the celebrations.

For the first time, some days of the fair will have paid admission. Tickets are expected to cost €10 for 16 October and €7 on 17, 21, 22, 23 and 24 October. A €25 pass will cover the ticketed dates, while admission on 18, 19, 20 and 25 October will be free. (TomarOnline.pt)

Centuries-old traditions remain

Despite the bigger concert programme, this is still very much the Feira de Santa Iria.

The traditional Feira das Passas returns alongside local food, restaurants, entertainment and the procession honouring Santa Iria, the patron saint of Tomar.

The procession is one of the fair’s most distinctive traditions. Santa Iria’s image is carried through the city and children throw flower petals into the River Nabão, recalling the story of the saint’s martyrdom. The celebration takes place around 20 October, her feast day.

The fair itself has changed repeatedly since the days when its stalls were primarily a place to buy and sell everyday goods. Music, food and entertainment may now draw much of the crowd, but four centuries later, Tomar is still gathering for Santa Iria every October.