The Villena Medieval Festival is one of the biggest events connected with the medieval world in all of Spain. Wonderful cultural, commercial and recreational activity Focused on commemorating the history between the 5th century and the 15th century, here for three days – From Friday to the next Sunday (10-12 March) – one can be completely immersed and live that time.
Handicrafts, shows, talks, presentations, music and workshops… All in a dreamlike setting at the foot of Castillo de La Atalaya, between the streets of El Rabal neighborhood, on the corners of Calle Mayor, in the shadow of the city. Churches of Santiago and Santa Maria. Joining hands with El Rabal Neighborhood Association, Villena is the heart of the city. an arena where medieval battles will take place, medieval weddings will take place or you can participate in the traditional Lettuce War.
In more than 20 years of history Medieval Festivalsone of the most notable acts is the Procession of Torches.whose purpose is to “repel evil spirits”. A magical event full of symbolism as the end of the day, among the craft stalls that bring together the best potters, tanners, bakers, honey producers and spice makers… All this is blended with gastronomy and the best. The wines are the product of the homely vineyard and the rich soil that Villena offers.
Wide program of activities
Locality shows these days A wonderful, exceptional and special program to commemorate the medieval stamp of this border city, between Plato and the Levant. The municipality, which is open to all visitors, can also visit the Villena Museum, where the replica of the Treasury is exhibited; Museo Festero or Museo Escultor Navarro Santafé.
The entire Medieval Festival, which starts this Friday, revolves around it. Catholic Monarchs visit VillenaDramatization of this historic event that took place before the inauguration of mayor Fulgencio Cerdán in 1488, and paper presented by María Ángeles Alonso, UA professor and former director of the University Headquarters. Along with this start signal, music, fire and medieval dances will fill the atmosphere of the entire medieval city in its historic center.
The festival also has a first-order cultural component, where it is possible to participate in exhibitions. «Sephardic Women: Traces of Hispanic-Jewish women», Organized with Casa Sephardi de Córdoba or you know in-depth “Clothing and Armament in the Time of Catholic Rulers”. Wedding Procession celebrating the marriage of Archduchess Alba Mira Sanchís of Austria and Prince Don Amadeo Juan Galvis throughout the day on Saturday medieval wedding in terms of the castle.
At the same time, the medieval city is bustling: The King’s Bards perform at the San Antón HermitageIt has been organized workshops and children’s storiesor art Magician Victor Beneito or celtic concert Saturday night with Celta Distillery. But not only that, there are photography exhibitions, educational workshops. farm animals numerous parades and meetings abroad for all spectators.
Sunday morning, traditional Lettuce War, in which green and white quarreled two sides fought on the Castle Esplanade battlefield, where the desire to have fun and enjoy always wins. Plus amazing fights like those presented in the courtyard of the Castillo de La Atalaya, realistic reenactments of medieval tournaments that excite young and old alike.
And this, Medieval Festivals It is a street celebration of wandering aimlessly, walking to discover a new craft stall, a new activity, a new performance. And so, as the sun rises late at night, as the Fiestas extend their time to serve and welcome the thousands of visitors they receive in each edition, as they deserve. Because the Medieval Festivals are open festivals that embrace the spirit of the neighborhood where they were born, embrace everyone, and showcase the best aspects of Villena from the last 15 centuries.
What Villena has to offer these days is extraordinary, an immersive journey into a very exciting time full of challenges that allows us to understand the life of today by getting to know the society of yesterday.. And all this in a unique urban setting, in a Villena that proudly showcases its history as if it were a City title granted 498 years ago.
Check out everything prepared for the Medieval Festival here
When: 10 – 12 March 2023
where: Villana
Complete activity program