The Medieval Fair of Peratallada

Various festivals and themed fairs harking back to the Medieval times deserve their own event category in Catalonia — there are so many of them it is worth examining why. First, most towns and villages in the region, be they small or big, have barely changed since the distant times, preserving their historic centres and charm. Second, the nostalgia for the Medieval ages is palpable in just as many, akin to the Soviet-era nostalgia in present-day Russia. The Crown of Aragon was a formidable force in the Mediterranean from the 12th to the 15th centuries, and this great era is "remembered" fondly by many Catalans.

The annual Medieval Fair of Peratallada, Fira Medieval de Peratallada, held on the first weekend of October in Peratallada, is not as heavily marketed to tourists as the similar, yet world-famous, event in Besalu, so its guests are mainly the residents of nearby villages and their families. To describe the Medieval Fair of Peratallada, you would inevitably at some point say "family-friendly", "charming", "local". The first fair took place in 1995.

For two days, the streets of Peratallada are packed with tents of the local farmers, bakers and handicraftsmen. Visitors are welcome to sample and purchase artisan cheeses, sausages, honey, and sweets. Local craftsmanship is showcased with handmade souvenirs, jewelry and household items. The best part is that you can see a lot of products being made in real time, from basket weaving and wool spinning to iron forging.

The square in front of the Peratallada castle serves as the main stage for the fair, holding puppet shows, jousts, comedy performances and magic shows. All craftsmen, sellers and servers are dressed for the occasion in the era-appropriate clothing. Knight order flags are stretched between houses. Several times a day a group of drummers and bagpipers marches around town to maintain the Medieval spirit of the festival.

The fair organizers understand the concept of a family-friendly event really well, so the not-so-Medieval carousel rides and pony rides are part of the festival to please the youngest visitors. Crossbow shooting of wild "orcs" is one rare example of an activity that fits the theme, despite drawing some concerns from the little kids who worry about hurting the mythical beasts. The same spot a half an hour later serves as the demonstration grounds for the Medieval designers of knight armour who clearly show just how much iron is needed to protect the fragile human body during a fight.

Don't pause to reflect on the nature of human life in the Medieval times that was really about survival during wars, plagues, the Inquisition and famines, rather than about romantic ballads performed by clean-shaven minstrels, lest you be branded a aguafiestas, a party pooper! Heavy thoughts, however, are swiftly alleviated by hearty lunches and dinners served in Peretallada — in the medieval style, of course.