The great medieval fair with market, theater and combats that is held near Madrid

The town of Hita, in Guadalajara, is an ideal destination for bucolic get away less than 100 kilometers from Madrid at any time of the year. However, with the advent of summer A visit to this town becomes practically essential due to the great medieval fair that transforms it into an authentic town of the time with a market, theatre, combats and an extensive program of activities .

This year the medieval fair – the oldest in Spain on this theme and declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest in 1980 – celebrates its 61st edition and will do so between June 30 and July 2 . This event, due to its proximity to the capital (just over 90 kilometers from madrid center), is a leisure option for the weekend both for adults and for More smalls.

Among the most outstanding activities of the great medieval fair of Hita are the representations of the Archpriest’s Book of Good Love , the fighting of knights, the “botargas” who walk the streets with cowbells and clubs, the medieval market, gastronomy tastings and the representation of the Dance of Death.

Program of the medieval fair of Hita

hita medieval fair — Editorial credit: Alberto Paredes / Hita City Hall

Friday, June 30

8:30 p.m .: Inauguration of the market, on Puerta de Caballos street.
9:00 p.m .: traditional food in the taverns and restaurants of the Villa, grilled meats in the patio of the Casa-Museo del Arcipreste (San Pedro street.).
10:15 p.m .: Dance of death in the Plaza del Arcipreste. Choreography of the Complutense Group of Spanish Dance.
11 pm : the trial of the Trotaconventos, by Crispin d’Olot and Trotaconventos.

Saturday, July 1

We highlight some of the activities of the day:

11 am : the merchants of the souk open their stalls on Puerta de Caballos street.
12 noon : Wedding of Don Melón and Doña Endrina in the Plaza del Arcipreste. Tribute to the Archpriest of Hita with the representation based on the characters from the Book of Good Love and starring residents of the Villa.
From 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m .: eat and rest. Traditional food in the taverns and restaurants of the Villa and in the patio of the Casa-Museo del Arcipreste.
7:00 p.m .: parade to the Palenque of knights and maidens, botargas and giants and the Brotherhoods of Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma, to the beat of music: Ixera, Xalamut, Barzonia and Bambolea animation.
7:30 p.m .: Combat between Don Carnal and Dona Cuaresma in Palenque. Tribute to the Archpriest of Hita with the representation based on the Book of Good Love and starring residents of the Villa.
Later, medieval tournament in the Palenque . Knightly exercises and games: stafermo, rings and spears, by Legend Specialists.
9:15 p.m.: Viking music at the viewpoint of the ruins of the church of San Pedro. Xalamut group.
10 pm : theater in the ruins of San Pedro. Representation of Eleanor of Aquitaine by Alfredo Cernuda. Starring and directed by Manuel Galiana. Tuesday Theater Company.
10:30 p.m.: fire ritual by Bambolea in the Plaza del Arcipreste.
11:59 p.m.: medieval wrestling and night show The three rituals in Palenque. Jousting on foot and on horseback, led by Legend Specialists.

For the fights and medieval shows it is necessary to buy a ticket (it costs between €5 and €10 and is free for children under 6 years of age). Also for theatrical performances, with prices ranging between €15 and €18. All the information can be found atthis website.

Throughout the day, there will also be an exhibition of birds of prey by Lía Corax, free visits to the Casa-Museo del Arcipreste, the 50th Anniversary exhibition of the declaration of Hita as a Historic Site or the Church of San Juan Bautista ( schedules can be consulted atthis link).

Sunday, July 2

11am : artisans offer their wares on Puerta de Caballos street.
11 am : dulzaineros in the Plaza del Arcipreste. Kalaberas Cultural Association.
11:30 a.m .: falconry exhibition in the Plaza del Arcipreste. Lia Corax.
12:30 pm : To the sound of the pots . Family show, children’s and traditional songs with kitchen instruments, in the Plaza del Arcipreste. Crispin from Olot and Ali Kaskabel.
2:00 pm : closing of the 61st edition of the festival in Plaça del Arcipreste by the minstrel Crispín d’Olot.
2:15 p.m .: dulzaineros in the Plaza del Arcipreste. Kalaberas Cultural Association.