Fairs and festivals in Catalonia to travel back in time
Medieval Besalú Fair
Medieval stories such as the murder of Guifré II or the adventures of Count Bernat Tallaferro are hidden among the lights and shadows of the cobblestone streets of Besalú. This town in La Garrotxa is one of those that preserves the most interesting medieval heritage. With the Besalú Medieval fair, on September 1 and 2, the population goes back a thousand years and turns the old fortified bridge, the micvé and other emblematic locations into the perfect setting for a great journey through time. They are days full of dance, theater, music, workshops on ancient crafts, gun and fire shows, fighting classes, and even a very special street, the gloomy Calle de los Atrapados, where the miseries of lepers, butchers, Witches and prisoners will chase us until we get out. In addition, throughout the weekend there will be children's workshops and guided tours.
After enjoying the party, we recommend sleeping at the Hotel La Perla de Olot, twenty minutes from Besalú. This accommodation stands out for its variety of rooms and apartments, its renovated facilities and its family service.
Súria Medieval Crafts Fair
On the second weekend of November, Súria will once again be the medieval town of its origins. The narrow streets of the old neighborhood (Poble Vell) will be filled with festivities, ancient crafts, music, dance and theater and will make us enjoy a great journey through time. The covered porches, vaults and stone facades around the architectural complex formed by the castle and the church, of Romanesque origin, are decorated and decorated as in medieval times. Many of the participants, in period costumes, also participate to create the perfect atmosphere that evokes a medieval town. Visitors will find artisans, workshops, street musicians, exhibitions and entertainment throughout the weekend. You can enjoy performances inspired by medieval Súria, exhibitions of birds of prey, storytelling and medieval recreations. Not far away, in Manresa, it is also possible to immerse yourself in medieval times by visiting Balç street, a very interesting visit.
15 minutes from Súria, we can stay at the Ramon Park Hotel in Santpedor, a traditional and cozy accommodation that stands out for its gastronomy and its refreshing gardens. Another of its assets is the excellent location if you want to take excursions through the Bages region.
Peratallada Medieval Fair
The history of Peratallada is closely linked to medieval times. It is in this period when the first written testimonies about the town are found. The castle of Peratallada, around which the population was protected, was the center of the barony that belonged to the Peratallada lineage, documented since the 11th century. The population remembers all this past with a period fair that is held on the first weekend of October and takes advantage of the streets and squares of the old town as a setting, which still evoke the essence of the medieval period. Comedians, minstrels, puppeteers, storytellers and all kinds of period characters once again occupy the town, where a medieval market is also recreated. At the stops you can find all kinds of artisanal products: cheeses, honey, herbs, bread, cakes, etc. The commercial offer is completed with exhibitions of traditional crafts such as clog making, basket making or spinning, among others. At the same time, recreational and cultural activities are held open to the participation of the attending public.
We recommend sleeping in Girona, because on the same weekend of October 6 and 7 you can enjoy the Cistell de Salt Fair, a festival that highlights the basket-making tradition of the area. Among the recommended accommodations in the city we highlight the Hotel Peninsular and the Hotel Carlemany.
Vic Medieval Market
The old town of Vic recreates its past with a medieval market from December 6 to 9. More than three hundred stalls are spread throughout the streets and there is a program of activities with musical parades, street theater, exhibitions of fighting and medieval weapons and many other proposals aimed at all audiences. Surrounded by artisans, fairmen and tavern keepers, we will travel to the time when the city was divided by power struggles between the bishopric and the noble family that owned the castle, the Montcada. It is one of the most important events in the city, from a tourist and commercial point of view, which has the presence of numerous artisans of glass, jewelry, wood, ceramics and board games. There is no shortage of food products of all kinds, from sausages to chocolates.
In the neighboring town of Sant Julià de Vilatorta, it is possible to stay at the Hotel Mas Albereda, a magnificent completely renovated farmhouse where chef Nandu Jubany offers his delicious gastronomic creations.
Traditional fairs of Ripollès
The Ripollès region preserves an important Romanesque heritage, with the Ripoll monastery as its emblem, and hosts numerous festivals related to the most traditional aspects of the region. An example is the Setcases Bolet Fair (September 15 and 16), which includes a craft fair, music, children's shows and activities related to mushrooms. To complete the getaway, we recommend eating or staying at Hotel La Coma, one of the most traditional in the region.
A few weeks later, on October 13, the Tria de Mulats de Espinavell takes place, a unique livestock fair that features cattle that come down from the mountains to the plains of Espinavell. If you attend this rural spectacle, you must not miss stopping by the Calitxó Hotel and enjoying its gastronomy and hospitality.
In Ribes de Freser, the Vall de Ribes Honey Festival (September 8 and 9) and the Vall de Ribes Bestiar Fair (October 6) also take us to the most rural and traditional side of the region. . The Hotel Els Caçadors is a good option for eating and sleeping in the town.
