Groups
ANTÍKUA
Concert on Friday the 24th, at 24h00 at the main stage in Canha
ANTÍKUA (https://www.antikuafolk.com/) is a Portuguese musical project of folk and popular rock, originating from the municipality of Vila Verde, in the district of Braga. Founded on October 2, 2022, the group stands out for blending traditional Portuguese music with contemporary sounds and its own melodic arrangements.
La Giostra
Their music is a free interpretation of medieval and Renaissance music, mainly due to the extensive use of instruments from that era, such as bagpipes, zithers, lyres, bombards, and flutes. The influence of ethnic and popular music from the Mediterranean and Sicily is also very evident in their style. Many of the compositions are an open invitation to dance, while others consist of satirical interactions with the audience, following the ancient style of storytellers and minstrels.
Thomar Honoris Association
The Thomar Honoris Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, study, and promotion of the historical, cultural, artistic, educational, and social heritage linked to the medieval history of Tomar and Portugal.
Founded essentially with the purpose of valuing the rich Templar heritage of the region, and working at different times in military and civil aspects, the association organizes and participates in various initiatives ranging from historical recreations, exhibitions, conferences, and guided tours to educational and cultural activities.
Headquartered in the emblematic city of Tomar, one of the most important centers of Templar history in Portugal, Thomar Honoris stands out for promoting historical authenticity and respect for the legacy of the Knights of the Order of the Temple.
Through their work, the association seeks not only to remember the past, but also to build bridges between history and modernity, involving the local community and visitors in immersive experiences that exalt the identity and values of the region.
Furthermore, Thomar Honoris actively collaborate with cultural, military, academic, and tourism entities, contributing to sustainable development and promoting Tomar as a benchmark destination for cultural and historical tourism. It is an entity that inspires the spirit of learning, honor, and respect for the universal values associated with the Knights Templar, perpetuating their memory for future generations.
They are present at the Canha Medieval Fair for 3 days with a Military Encampment, Historical Recreation, the Trebaruna Dance Group, and weapons handling, among other activities.
Find out more on the website of the Thomar Honoris Association.
Trebaruna
The Thomar Honoris Dance School, comprised of two classes (children and adults), is dedicated to the study and interpretation of musical and physical expression from the medieval and Renaissance periods.
Group dancing, distinct across different social classes, has always been a form of popular entertainment and communication.
Eduardo Ramos
Eduardo Ramos was born in Beja. He is a singer, composer, and performer of the Middle Eastern oud, a self-taught musician and multi-instrumentalist, also playing viola, flute, Moroccan gambry, Tunisian zukra, and African instruments.
He has recorded 11 albums and performed concerts in Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Germany, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain - Festival Otôno Sefardi and Festival Internacional de Música Sefardi in Córdoba, Festival de Música Sefardi Tajo Internacional in Valencia de Alcántara and in Morocco at the “Festival Internacional Des Cordes Pincées” in Rabat and at the “Festival Internacional das Músicas Sagradas do Mundo de Fez”.
Currently he plays Galician-Portuguese Medieval Music, Arabic Music, Sephardic Music and Traditional Portuguese Songs and sings some of the great Portuguese Poets with music of his own composition.
Eduardo Ramos Ensemble will perform on Saturday, July 25th, at the Show of 3 Cultures and 3 Creeds.
La Cour du Roi
French Historical Recreation group with an emphasis on dances from the Middle Ages, French and Italian Renaissance.
They will be present at the Medieval Fair on July 24th, 25th and 26th.
Animal Farm
A pedagogical farm focused on medieval fairs that seeks, through the exhibition of various animals, to provide all age groups, from young to old, with an educational contact with some of these animals that once coexisted with their ancestors and that populate their imagination.
During the 3 days of the Fair.
Oriental Dances
At this year’s Medieval Fair, prepare to be transported by the most fascinating dances of the ancient East:
Sufi Dance
Feel the swirling spirituality and mysticism through the continuous and mesmerizing movement. (Ana Filipe - Whirling Water)
Belly Dance
Let yourself be enchanted by the fluidity, elegance, and age-old rhythm that once fascinated travelers and courts. (Raquel Correia)
Thanora Dance
Feel the vibrant energy and skill of this traditional Egyptian dance where colors swirl and illuminate the night! (Mahomed Bali)
Pardeus
Duo performing early music, with presentations at Medieval Fairs.
Vadecaja
Vadecaja, a band formed by 5 members, was born 15 years ago from experiences gained through their work. They play with cowrie shells, bells, drums, and other percussion instruments. They perform on all 3 days of the Fair.
Trobadouros (Vasco Monterroso)
The Trobadouros project is a sensory and poetic journey to the roots of Luso-Galician identity. Its aim is to immerse the audience in the “Golden Lyric Poetry” of the Iberian Peninsula, offering a vibrant and intimate interpretation of medieval songs, with a special focus on the unique repertoire in Galician-Portuguese.
The duo celebrates the Art of Troubadour Poetry through an acoustic dialogue between the words and music that define our identity, in an interpretation that prioritizes authentic sound and direct emotion. By exploring the songs that shaped our identity – between the strumming of strings, the sound of clay, and the breath of the singer – we relive the solitude, the love for the land, and the irony of mockery. It is a joyful and profound performance, in honor and memory of the first masters of word and music in Portuguese.
Cultural Purpose
The Trobadouros project constitutes an act of safeguarding intangible heritage. By uniting the voice, the lute, and the molded clay of our pottery, it creates an unbreakable bridge between the medieval past and the present, promoting the enjoyment of Portuguese Medieval Songs in a sonic journey to Galician-Portuguese troubadour poetry, the founding movement of our language and our identity.
Sbandieratori
With original music and the contagious rhythm of drums and trumpets, they will invade the Medieval Fair of Canha'26! The incredible Sbandieratori Il Cassero promise exciting performances with unique choreography and a dazzling flag parade that will color the place. Don’t miss this memorable show full of tradition, energy and truly magical moments.
They will be performing at the Italian Night on July 24th, and also on the 25th and 26th.
Malatitsch
Graduates of the Professional School of Performing Arts and Crafts (Chapitô), one of their main concepts is to showcase an enchanted imagination, aiming to transport the audience to a universe of magic and emotions.
The company has been gaining visibility by traveling both within and outside of our country, leaving a mark of quality in all the territories they visit.
Vahdat Ensemble
The union (vahdat) between music and dance through a journey that intertwines various cultures.
They perform on all 3 days of the Fair.
João Mendonza
Tenor João Mendonza, known for his powerful voice that has moved international stages and figures such as Pope Francis, will perform on July 25th at the Church of Our Lady of Oliveira. Free admission.
“Jogo do Pau” (Stick Game)
A sporting activity that was also used in medieval times.
Tournaments
Medieval Tournament recreation groups bring us the Show of Honor and Chivalry, recreating the true atmosphere of the Middle Ages in the arena. Come and witness the courage, skill, and military tradition up close in a unique demonstration of horsemanship and combat that promises to enchant the whole family!
With the participation of several groups:
- “Cavaleiros do Ribadouro” (Saturday, the 25th)
- Medieval Tournament Recreation Group of the GNR of Évora (Sunday, the 26th)
- Duelo-Club of Fencing Practitioners and Scholars of All Eras (every day)
Arraya d’Ollos
Street music performances associated with mysticism, every day in the Streets of Burgo.
Magna Costa
The group responsible for production and actors at the event.
