The king who created the County of Feira and conquered African cities inspires the Viagem Medieval
Afonso V, “The African”, at the heart of 12 days of historical reenactments
King Afonso V, known in history as “The African” for his conquest of Alcácer Ceguer, Anafa, Arzila, and Tangier in North Africa, will be the central figure of the next edition of the Viagem Medieval em Terra de Santa Maria. He was also the monarch who established the County of Feira, granting the title to Rui Pereira, lord of the Land of Santa Maria and its Castle. His reign, which lasted an impressive 49 years, was marked by military achievements, succession conflicts, and royal intrigue — elements that will inspire 12 days of vibrant entertainment and historical reenactments in Santa Maria da Feira, from July 30 to August 10. This will be a special edition with a strong local identity, as it highlights key moments from the region’s own historical narrative.
The historical context of each edition plays a central role in shaping the content and experiences of the Viagem Medieval. It serves as the foundation for the performances and reenactments, and is essential both for the actors and participants and for the audience, who are invited to immerse themselves in the atmosphere and daily life of the eras brought to life.
Crowned at just six years old, Afonso V married early to his cousin Isabel of Lancaster, with whom he had three children. Until he came of age, the kingdom was governed by his uncle, Infante D. Pedro, Duke of Coimbra, who served as regent. However, political intrigue and plots against the regent, led by the House of Bragança, began as soon as the young king reached maturity. These tensions escalated into a bitter conflict that culminated in the Battle of Alfarrobeira, where Infante D. Pedro was killed.
Following the death of Queen Isabel, Afonso V married his niece, Joana of Castile, becoming involved in a succession war for the Castilian throne. This conflict lasted five years and reached its climax at the Battle of Toro — a royal confrontation often compared to the Battle of Aljubarrota. Both kingdoms claimed victory, each launching powerful political propaganda campaigns to support their version of the outcome.
Afonso V entered history as “The African” for bringing the crusading spirit to Mauritanian lands, conquering Alcácer Ceguer, Anafa, Arzila, and Tangier with the help of loyal and valiant knights who fought by his side.
Although flattered by the great lords, Afonso V was well aware that such praise was not always sincere, but rather driven by hidden motives. Even so, he granted titles and established new noble houses — including the creation of the County of Feira.
The noble title was granted to Rui Pereira, lord of the Land of Santa Maria and its castle, in recognition of the support and achievements he and his squires and men-at-arms provided during the conquest of Arzila and the surrender of Tangier. He would later go on to command one of the wings in the Battle of Toro.
It was also at the beginning of Afonso V’s reign, during the time of Fernão Pereira — Rui Pereira’s father — that significant construction work was undertaken, transforming the Castle of Santa Maria da Feira into a palatial residence, giving it the appearance we still recognize today.
Afonso V is described by chroniclers as a man of the arts and letters, responsible for the reform of the royal archive (Torre do Tombo) and the royal library, as well as for creating scholarship programs and establishing cultural centers throughout the kingdom. A deeply devout Christian and a man of great humanity, he took joy in mingling with the people.
The 28th edition of the Viagem Medieval é organizada pela Câmara Municipal de Santa Maria da Feira, the municipal company Feira Viva and the Federação das Coletividades de Cultura e Recreio do Concelho.
