There are many medieval markets, but very few entire towns that take you back in time. In Catalonia, just an hour from Barcelona, we have perhaps the only example in the entire country: the Calafell Medieval Market.
Every summer, this coastal town in the Baix Penedès region takes a journey through more than 1,000 years of history alongside its residents and visitors. This year, the event will take place from August 28 to 30, during which time the historic district and the Castle of Santa Creu will come alive with reenactments of what life was like from the time of the Iberian Citadel (250 B.C.) through the 11th century, when this festival first began.
The list of stalls and activities offered by this medieval market is almost endless: more than 95 activities, 12 guided tours of the castle, a medieval camp, a children’s play area, and 50 market stalls (featuring traditional medieval food and handicrafts). In addition, the festival will kick off with a parade full of traveling performances featuring dance, music, fireworks, and fantastical characters that will wind its way through the town center.
Of course, there will be no shortage of classic falconry displays featuring birds of prey, sporting activities such as archery, exhibitions of medieval weapons, and even stables with donkeys for visitors to ride.
In addition to the classic stalls featuring medieval trades (such as blacksmiths, potters, and falconers) ready to bring the atmosphere of the era to life, there will also be traditional taverns, bakeries, and stalls selling sweets and old-fashioned pastries.
It’s an experience well worth having, especially since it’s so easy to get there: reaching Calafell by car is as simple as following the C-32 or (to avoid tolls) the AP-7. And if you don’t have a car, the Rodalies R2 line connects Barcelona with Calafell in just under an hour.
Complete schedule for the Calafell Medieval Market
Friday, August 28
- Opening of the Medieval Market.
- The Orcs’ Ruckus.
- Opening parade open to the public: featuring orcs, the Wicker Giant, Graiatus, the Bubble Wizard, the Espurna Dragon, the Giants Pere and Carme, and the Calafell Medieval Band.
- The elf Krakort and Valentín.
- The Bear Dance.
- Dark Fantasy ( fantasy characters).
- Musical parade with Graiatus.
Saturday, August 29
- Market Opening
- Musical parade (Graiatus, the castle jesters, and Krakort the goblin).
- Dark Fantasy / El Gran Climor.
- The Orcs’ Rampage.
- Bufonadas (juggling show).
- Burbrujo (The Bubble Wizard).
- The Bear Dance.
- Krakort the elf.
- Musical parade featuring Graiatus.
- Opening of the market.
- The beggars.
- The Wicker Giant.
- Musical parade featuring Graiatus / Burbrujo (The Bubble Wizard).
- Dark Fantasy (fantasy characters).
- Krakort the Elf / The Little Dragon.
- The Bear Dance.
- Dark Fantasy (fantastic characters and the rampage of the orcs).
- Parades of the Ánimas and Graiatus.
Sunday, August 30
- Opening of the market.
- Musical parade (Graiatus, the castle jesters, and Krakort the elf).
- Dark Fantasy (fantasy characters) / El Gran Climor.
- The jugglers at the castle.
- The Orcs’ Rampage.
- Krakort the elf.
- Burbrujo (The Bubble Wizard).
- The Bear Dance.
- Musical parade featuring Graiatus.
- Opening of the market.
- The beggars.
- Musical parade with Graiatus.
- Dark Fantasy (fantasy characters).
- The Wicker Giant.
- The Little Dragon / Burbrujo (The Bubble Wizard).
- Krakort the Goblin / Inside Fantasy (fantasy characters and the orcs’ rampage).
- The Bear Dance.
- Parades of the Ánimas and Graiatus.
