Setecentista Festival Vila Real de Santo António

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Vila Real de Santo Antonia

Vila Real de Santo Antonio is a small town on the most Eastern part of the Algarve, right before the Spanish border. It is a small town, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in culture. There are many events in Vila Real throughout the year. You can read about the Christmas Market here. And you can learn more about the area here. 

What is the Setecentista Festival?

The Setecentista Festival Histórico is an annual festival that celebrates the creation of the town in the 18th century. It is held in May and runs for 3 days. Even though there is history in the area dating back to the 1200’s or even further, the town itself was founded in 1774 by the Marquis of Pombal, during a period of major reform, who designed it in a grid, similar to the way Lisbon was laid out.  This era marked significant social and economic changes in Portugal, including early steps toward the abolition of slavery. The Setecentista Festival reflects this reformist period, celebrating the town’s planned creation and the broader shift toward modernization.

What to Expect at the Festival

The festival is a recreation of life back in the 18th century, and it all takes place around the town square. There is a market where one can purchase goods similar to what one could buy back then. There are plenty of food, beer, and mead stands where you can eat and drink just like you would have in the 1700s; you can even buy cool mugs to drink out of! (I kind of started collecting them from each of the festivals we go to lol)  Many performers walk around, and there are stands with actors reenacting life as it was in the 18th century. For instance, there was a stand with a hairdresser who was doing a young girl’s hair in large poufs. There was also an artist who would paint portraits of you as a member of the court. There is also a parade that goes through town with all the actors together. 

A Glimpse Into the Past and Future Through Runes

One of my favorite parts of the festival was getting my runes read! Runes are similar to tarot cards and can give insight into your future or maybe even your past life. My reading was really interesting and surprised me in many ways. It brought some insight into my current life situation and also gave me hope and helped to relieve some of my fears. 

Practical Tips

• Parking situation– The main square and part of the road by the Guadiana River are blocked for the festival. There is street parking all around town and a few small lots. Some areas are free, some charge. There really isn’t a best place, more so park where you can
• Cash or Card- Some stalls take cards but not all. It’s not a bad idea to have cash on you and most merchants prefer it. There are atms in the square so getting cash is easy.
• Comfortable shoes– cobblestones do not care about your ankles

Eating at the Setecentista Festival if You’re Gluten Free

Some food stalls at the festival have gluten-free options. There are a lot of meats available. Some stands also have french fries with a dedicated fryer. Just be sure to ask.

There are also a few stands with ciders, meads, and hydromels that are all gluten-free.

Some stands have dried fruits and nuts. There are also so pastry stands and sometimes they have gluten-free items. It all depends on the merchants, but always chec,k and if you are celiac, ask about cross-contamination.

Is the Setecentista Festival Worth Visiting?

The Setecentista Festival is one of those events that keeps pulling us back. This was our second year attending, and once again we had a great time wandering the streets, eating well, drinking plenty of mead, and picking up a few unique pieces to bring home. If you’re in the Algarve during the festival, it’s an easy and memorable way to experience Vila Real de Santo António and step into a small slice of Portugal’s history.

Before You Leave

Make sure to follow me on Instagram @vegas.to.portugal for more videos and pics of the festival and to see more of my daily life. 💙