The XXXII edition of Medieval Days takes place from August 28th to September 1st, in Castro Marim, making the Algarve village travel to distant times, of kings, queens, knights and fools.
«During five days of returning to the Middle Ages, perhaps the most intriguing time in human history, the Castle and the Village become the ideal setting to receive kings and queens, knights in shining armor, fools and jesters, merchants, monks, ladies and nobles, but also the contradictions of a time that was simultaneously barbaric and cultured, stage of events and decisions that have remained in history and of magnificent cultural and artistic productions», says the Chamber of Castro Marim.
Horseback tournaments, street theaters, many animation groups passes the streets, with jugglers, brawlers, fire-breathers, pipers, tightrope walkers, swordsmen and contortionists, medieval music, Arab-Oriental music and dance, sacred music, medieval dances, the exhibition of instruments of torture and punishment, the medieval market and banquets are some of the main attractions.
The Medieval Days in Castro Marim have as their main stage the Castle, which is the most loyal setting possible to the Middle Ages. It is here that the biggest recreations take place, such as arts and crafts, where more than 45 professions are represented, and spectacles, such as medieval tournaments on horseback.
It is also the Castle, in Paiol, that hosts the renewed exhibition of Instruments of Torture and Punishment (co-financed by the European Union), «showing us one of the reasons why the Middle Ages are considered the Dark Ages».
The banquet, another of the great attractions of this event, is attended by all the event's animation groups. Similar to what happened in the Middle Ages, under the mysterious light of torches, diners experience the best delicacies of the time, while enjoying the animation shows.
This year there is an “innovative and differentiated experience”. It is called “Seja Rei por um Noite” and consists of a royal table that brings together 10 guests, with the pomp and circumstance of the courts of the Middle Ages.
All classes that structured the daily life of the Middle Ages will be represented and, in the streets and alleys, “we will come face to face with mythological creatures, monsters, demonic and magical creatures, which explained everything that was still vague and imprecise”.
The Fort of S. Sebastião, another stage of this event, will house the Military Garrison, a historical recreation where you can see various thematic exhibitions, falconry exhibitions, training of squires, tournaments and arts such as horseback riding, fencing and longbow.
This year, «some issues of safety, health and environmental issues were reinforced, a work that aims to elevate the Medieval Days in Castro Marim to Eco Event», says the municipality.
«This year, the objective is to achieve a drastic reduction of waste and maximum reuse of the assets and scenarios of each edition. Clay cups will be used and there is an effective reduction in the use of paper in the production of all graphic materials».
As it is a time that cuts across a number of cultures, this year consolidates the historic connection of coffee to the medieval period, and is now present throughout the event, in a closer partnership with “Delta Cafés”.
The ticket offices for Medieval Days in Castro Marim open at 15:00, while the activities and entertainment of the event start at 17:00 and close at 00:00.
During the event, organized by the Castro Marim City Council, the Municipal Support Office (GAM) will function as an information and support post.
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