There are places where the sea seems to hold memories. On the Costa Daurada, the sound of the waves still whispers ancient tales of ships, kings, and distant conquests. That same breeze that cools swimmers today was the one that, in the 13th century, filled the sails of one of the most momentous expeditions of that era. To relive that moment, from September 3 to 6, Salou will transform its streets into an authentic camp from the year 1229.
The 31st King James I Festival will transport the city’s old town back to the Middle Ages with a massive market, theatrical reenactments, and activities for all ages. Residents and visitors alike will be able to stroll among artisans and historical figures to commemorate the monarch’s historic departure for Mallorca—a milestone that forever linked the town’s destiny to the Balearic horizon.
The Heartbeat of a 13th-Century Town
The epicenter of this journey back in time will be the old town and Bonet Square.That’s where the Medieval Market will be set up—a bustling gathering place featuring plenty of food stalls, traditional crafts, and handmade goods.
Beyond the market stalls, the Torre Vella will serve as the cultural hub of the festival. There, Esther Lozano will give a talk exploring what the beaches and boats were like back then. In addition, visitors can check out the exhibition “Living Memory: Images of the Protagonists of the Past. Salou 1229.” As the sun sets, this same tower will undergo a complete transformation, becoming a medieval tavern that will host a theater and music show with two performances, at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Knights in the streets and pirates on the horizon
Saturday, September 5, will feature the most anticipated moment of the entire celebration. At 8:00 p.m., James I himself will emerge from the Torre Vella accompanied by an imposing procession of clergy, soldiers, knights, and nobles. The procession will parade through the city until it reaches the Plaza de las Comunidades Autónomas, where the day’s grand finale will take place.
That same Saturday, children will have their own play area and workshops in Carrilet Square. Meanwhile, starting from Els Pilons, the “Jaume I, Pirates, and Corsairs” tour will begin— a guided itinerary perfect for exploring the town’s seafaring and adventurous past.
Fireworks on the beach
Sunday, September 6, will feature the most solemn part of the event. Throughout the day, the awards for the 3rd Jaume I Short Story Literary Contest will be presented, a Mass will be celebrated in honor of Santa Maria del Mar, and the town’s waters will host the traditional maritime procession . The grand finale will take place at 10:00 p.m., when the Jaume I promenade will be illuminated by a spectacular fireworks display.
Although the street festival ends on Sunday, the spirit of the expedition will live on for a few more days. From September 10 to 12, the Club Nàutic Salou will organize the 40th Rei en Jaume Regatta, a sailing race that will cross the Mediterranean, covering the exact distance between the Catalan town and Mallorca, emulating the historic route of 1229.
How to Embark on This Journey Through Time
If you’d like to wander through this medieval market, getting there is quite easy. Those traveling by car can easily access it via Exit 35 of the AP-7 highway, or by taking the A-7 and C-14.
For those who prefer not to drive, the train drops passengers off at the Salou-PortAventura station.There is alsoan extensive bus network with direct connections from Barcelona, Tarragona, Reus, Cambrils, and Vila-seca, as well as from the Reus and El Prat airports.
You might be interested in:
