Alongside the gastronomic weeks, Medieval Fairs are some of the most popular family events in Spain. Haven´t you considered visiting Medieval Fairs in Spain?! This post will make you change your mind! Cause let´s be honest, we all lack those “out-of-this-world” experiences in our daily lives!
Who wouldn´t like to travel back in time, when the magical characters from the Middle Ages take over?!
Last weekend we took a day trip to Sant Mateu, Castellon for experiencing a local Medieval Fair. Let´s talk more about Medieval Fairs in Spain!
Medieval Fairs in Spain: Sant Mateu
Fiestas in Spain
Still, a bit overshadowed by the major fiestas like Las Fallas and San Fermin, the Medieval Fairs in Spain keeps attracting large crowds of local visitors every year. You might have heard about the famous Moors and Christians Festival in Alcoy, but did you know that most of the Spanish cities (especially those with castles) organize medieval events all year round?! Avila, Ibiza, Cordoba, Zamora, Peñiscola, Burgos, Mojacar, La Rioja, Guadalajara, Tarragona, Lugo, Teruel, Olite… and the list of the Spanish medieval events goes far beyond this!
Musicians, buskers, artisans, merchants, jongleurs, falconers, charming ladies and brave knights in shining armor on horseback… all ready to whisk you back to the Middle Ages. Who wouldn´t enjoy this time-traveling experience?!
Medieval events in Spain
Most of the Medieval fairs in Spain include “weapons of war” competitions, children’s games and activities, and of course, the heart of the feast – the medieval marketplace. Moreover, the last one often features educational exhibits, arts, crafts, food, games, demonstrations, and ongoing entertainment.
Nothing could possibly recreate an authentic Medival atmosphere better than the street markets, don´t you think so?! Especially when it comes to such a gourmet country like Spain. Fresh oven-made bread and pastries, cheese and meat delicatessen, spices and herbs, beer and liqueurs, dried fruits with the finest selection of figs, dates, raisins, and prunes! Foodies would appreciate a gastronomic side of the Medieval Fairs in Spain.
Also read: 10 Fairy-Tale Places in Spain that are straight out of a Storybook
The streets are often decorated with flags and banners, while the ground is covered with straw. Music, puppets, and minstrels add some festive vibes and always keep the children happy. What an atmosphere, right?!
The Summer Heat vs Medieval Fairs
Nevertheless, one thing that still surprises me a lot about these Medieval events and markets in Spain is that in most cases, they take place in summer. And while with Northern Spain I still understand it – when it comes to the Sothern and Eastern parts of the country and the sunny +35-40 °C outside, a medieval dress code becomes a doubtful pleasure!
Nevertheless, in Spain, the show must go on all year round…
So far, my personal experience with the Medieval Fairs narrows down to visiting one in Monteriggioni, Italy (during our Toscana road trip) and two in Spain: Onda and San Mateu in Castellon. And all of the following events were in July!
Luckily, we were able to enjoy the last one in San Mateu, as it was cloudy. Although, that was more of an exception for the typical summer months in the Valencian Community.
Medieval Decorations
Medieval decorations add some mystery and charm to every place, that´s for sure. Visiting Medieval fairs in Spain is a unique opportunity to see every city from the new angle. Let´s take San Mateu. If you google the most beautiful villages in the Province of Castellon, you´ll definitely come across it. However, as someone who had visited this small town several times in the past, I could claim with all certainty that it looks different covered with the Medieval decorations. So no matter which Medieval Fair you choose, even a place you´ve already been to will look and feel different.
Locals & The Medieval Fairs
Besides the alluring medieval lush and unique atmosphere, there´s another important reason to visit the Medieval Fairs in Spain. It´s an awesome initiative to support local artisans and artists. My husband adores traditionally-made medieval bread and I always go for the essential oils, dried fruits, while our oldest daughter can´t pass by the wicker baskets, hats, and bags… There´s something for all tastes and preferences.
Also read: Best Places to Channel Your Inner Christopher Columbus
It is no secret that the Spanish are famous for their fiesta spirit. Therefore, medieval fairs in Spain are generally very popular events. Most of the locals take celebrations in their city quite seriously. They participate with real enthusiasm, wearing accurate costumes and cooking traditional medieval dishes.
The List of The Medieval Fairs in Spain
I´ll leave you the list of the medieval fairs in Spain. It´s probably impossible to make a complete one, as more events keep appearing on the map every day. Nevertheless, here you have some of the most popular ones.
And keep in mind if you´re shooting for the famous Moors and Christians Festival in Alcoy, you should book a seat at least a couple of months in advance (if you want to see something, as it´s extremely popular and crowded). Most of the other Medieval Fairs in Spain can be visited easily anytime.
For more travel ideas and tips about Spain check my Pinterest board Travel to Spain.
Medival Fairs and where to find them
- Jornadas Medievales / Briones, La Rioja
- Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos / Mojacar, Almeria
- Reino de Najera / La Rioja
- Jornadas Cidianas / Huerta del Rey, Burgos
- Mercado Medieval / Quintanilla de Onesimo, Valladolid
- Festival de Teatro Medieval / Hita, Guadalajara
- Jornadas Medievales / Sigüenza, Guadalajara
- Mercado Cervantino / Alcala de Henares, Madrid
- Fin de semana medieval en la Feria del Siglo XV/ Manzanares el Real, Madrid
- Mercado Medieval / Colmenar Viejo, Madrid
- Fiesta de los Fueros/ Sepúlveda, Segovia
- Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos/Alcazar de San Juan,Ciudad Real
- La Fiesta del Renacimiento/Tortosa, Tarragona
- Semana Renacentista / Medina del Campo, Valladolid
- Fiestas Medievales /Olite, Navarra
- Jornadas Medievales y Mercado de las Tres Culturas/ Avila
- Jornadas Medievales /Cortegana, Huelva
- Festa da Istoria / Ribadavia, Ourense
- Feria del Bosque Medieval / Canyamars, Barcelona
- Fiestas de San Froilan/ Lugo
- Bodas de Isabel Segura/ Teruel
- Fiesta de la Arribada de la Carabela La Pinta/ Baiona, Pontevedra
- Feira Medieval / Monforte de Lemos, Lugo
- Semana Medieval / Montblanc,Tarragona
- Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos / Alcoy
- Feria Medieval / El Alamo, Madrid
- Ibiza Medieval / Ibiza
- Monzon Templario/Atienza, Guadalajara
- Jorndas de Recreacion Historica Siglo XV/ Belmonte, Cuenca
- Mercado Medieval de Fin de Año/ Peniscola, Castellon
- Feria Medieval/ Onda,Casellon
- Mercado Medieval/ Segorbe, Castellon
- Mercado Medieval / Puebla de Sanabria, Castilla y Leon
- Feria Medieval de Vic / Barcelona
- Mercado Medieval / Cordoba, Andalusia
- Mercado Medieval/ Orihuela, Alicante
- Sant Mateu Medieval/ Sant Mateu, Cestellon
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Wow this seems so interesting! I’ve never saw something like this. I love the Spanish culture so much 🙂
xx Dasynka
http://dasynka.com
Oh my goodness! Thanks for sharing! I have to get to Spain soon.
Hubby and I are planning a trip to Spain next year and this informative post has come to me at the right time. We’ll definitely plan it in such a way that we get to experience one of these awesome Medieval Fairs. Beautiful photos.
I haven’t attended any Medieval Fairs in my life! I always wanted to see some festivals and of course try the food! The gastronomic scene seems so fun!
Wow, this looks like such an amazing place to visit! Though I’ve not been to Spain (or a Medieval Fair!) myself, I’d love to go experience it one day, too. All that history is right up my alley. 🙂
This would be so cool to attend a fair in another country. I’d love to see how their cultures differ.
This is a place that I would really enjoy visiting. Your review and images are so compelling! Making plans to visit now!
This looks amazing!! I didn’t know medieval fairs were a thing! Great post 🙂
This looks like such a fun experience! I love all of the medieval decorations and the street markets. This is making me want to take a trip to visit one of these fairs!
x Kara | http://karascloset.net
Really this is a nice post and nice site.. Thanks a lot…
Um okay as if Spain wasn’t already cool enough! What a great read! Making travel plans now!
Oh wow, there are so many medieval fairs in Spain! How fun!!!
I would love to attend a medieval fair in Spain. They look fabulous, with all the costumes and decorations. Will have to try to go to one.
I grew up going to the Renaissance Faires in the U.S., but this seems to take it a step further! This looks like so much fun. I had no idea they did anything like this. I’m really glad I came across this post. This event is definitely something I’d like to experience on my next pass through Spain!