Step back into Roman Algarve at ‘Salir no Tempo’ festival – Portugal Resident

The village of Salir, in the hills north of Loulé, will be transformed into a bustling Roman settlement from Friday to Sunday (July 17-19) as the Salir no Tempo festival returns with its most ambitious edition yet.

Held every year since 2009, alternating between Roman and medieval themes, the event celebrates the area’s rich archaeological heritage, inspired by the remains of the nearby Roman Villa of Torrinha, where excavations revealed evidence of a prosperous rural community that traded across the Roman Empire.

This year’s festival promises more than 200 performances involving over 100 performers, recreating daily life in Roman Lusitania through street theatre, music, dance, artisan demonstrations and historical re-enactments.

Among the highlights are gladiator battles, a Circus Maximus featuring horse-drawn chariot races, roaming entertainers and living statues, while craftspeople will demonstrate traditional Roman-era skills, including pottery making.

Each evening at 8.30pm, the festival will officially open with the Terra Sigillata Grand Parade, named after the fine Roman pottery discovered during excavations at the Villa of Torrinha.

New attractions

Among the biggest additions this year is a recreated Circus Maximus, inspired by the enormous stadium in ancient Rome that could seat more than 150,000 spectators and was best known for its thrilling chariot races. At Salir, visitors will be able to watch horse-drawn chariot races, equestrian displays and gladiator combat in what organisers say is the first historical re-enactment of its kind in Portugal.

Visitors can also relax in a new Roman Baths Tent, inspired by the bathing traditions of Ancient Rome, or watch O Tesouro da Vila (The Treasure of the Villa), a new theatrical production based on the archaeological discoveries at the Villa of Torrinha and the region’s historic olive oil production.

Those wishing to immerse themselves even further can hire Roman costumes and become part of the living historical setting.

Roman flavours

Food plays a central role in the experience, with taverns serving dishes inspired by the Roman period using ingredients available nearly 2,000 years ago.

Visitors will be able to sample foods such as fresh bread, olives, game meat, cured meats and preserves, accompanied by drinks including mead, cider, herbal infusions, liqueurs and wine.

Salir aims to join Portugal’s top historical festivals

Loulé mayor Telmo Pinto believes Salir no Tempo has evolved into much more than a local historical re-enactment, with ambitions to become one of Portugal’s leading cultural events.

“Salir no Tempo is no longer just a leading historical re-enactment. It is a living expression of the identity, culture and historical legacy of the interior of our municipality,” the mayor said.

He added that the festival is helping to promote tourism beyond the Algarve’s coastline while creating new opportunities for businesses and local associations.

“During these days, Salir not only honours its roots and cultural heritage, but also establishes itself as a distinctive tourist destination capable of boosting the local economy,” the mayor said.

Pinto also linked the event to Loulé’s broader cultural strategy, highlighting the municipality’s location within the UNESCO Algarvensis Geopark and its bid to become Portuguese Capital of Culture 2028.

Meanwhile, Salir parish president Francisco André Rodrigues highlighted the role played by local associations.

“As with our other flagship events, local associations are once again heavily involved. The festival also provides them with an important source of income, while their participation helps make the event what it is,” Rodrigues said.

The festival runs daily from 7pm until 2am.

Tickets cost €3 for one day or €5 for a three-day pass.