The Medieval Fair of Pareja celebrates its tenth edition this year as part of the XX April Cultural event, coinciding with the 770th anniversary of the royal privilege granted by Alfonso X El Sabio in the XIII century allowing the town of Pareja to organize a market. This event, which started in 2014 with the aim of showcasing the cultural and historical heritage of Pareja, has significantly grown in popularity and participation over the years, combining history, leisure, and tradition in a unique natural environment near the Entrepeñas reservoir.
The mayor of Pareja, Javier de Río, highlighted the importance of this commemorative event, not only for the celebration of the fair itself, but also for what it represents in terms of cultural and social development for the community. The involvement of the Town Hall, along with the support of locals, volunteers, and local associations, has been essential to keep this event alive and relevant.
This year, 35 merchandise stalls will participate, many of them local artisans, offering unique products to visitors from different parts of Spain. The fair will take place during the weekend of April 26th and 27th, and a considerable influx of people is expected, as has been customary in previous editions that attracted more than 3,000 visitors.
The scheduled activities include craft demonstrations, raptor flight exhibitions, and a lively range of workshops and shows that will transport attendees to the medieval era. The premiere of an educational video titled “The Witches of Pareja” stands out, enriching the experience of the Witch Museum and facilitating a deeper connection with the town’s history.
The opening day will begin with a traditional breakfast, followed by an inauguration ceremony that will include a parade with characters from the era. Additionally, tastings of typical regional dishes will be offered, and fencing competitions, knight parades, and medieval battles will take place.
This year’s event has a special focus on inclusion and recognition of the multiculturalism that characterized medieval fairs, reflecting the spirit of tolerance that Alfonso X promoted during his reign. Thus, the Medieval Fair of Pareja not only honors its past, but also establishes itself as a festival that promotes social cohesion and rural tourism, solidifying its position as a must-attend event in the region’s cultural calendar.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
