Its cultural significance and appeal to visitors earned it the designation of Festival of Regional Tourist Interest in 2013, and this weekend offers the chance to experience firsthand a new edition of the Royal Golden Age Market in Navalcarnero: it will be held from August 28 to 30.
For three days only—packed, of course, with activities—the streets of Navalcarnero will be decked out in period costumes to evoke the Spanish Golden Age and recreate the highlight of the festivities: the wedding of Philip IV and Mariana of Austria in 1649. It will take place on Friday at 10 p.m.
Following the wedding, incidentally, the event that explains why we refer to the town as we do in the headline took place: once married, the Crown granted Navalcarnero the title of “Royal Town” in 1651, as a token of gratitude for hosting the celebration.
As part of the festival’s program, the activities surrounding the main event include concerts, entertainment, tastings of local specialties, performances, and, of course, the traditional craft market.
Complete program for the Royal Golden Age Market in Navalcarnero
Friday, August 28
- 7:00 p.m.: While awaiting the arrival of the King and Queen, the Royal Market opens its doors.
- 7:30 p.m.: The hands-on workshops begin. Plaza Don Sabino.
- 7:30 p.m.: Opening of the exhibitions at the Interpretation Center.
- 7:45 p.m.: “Flag-waving ceremony.” Circocido. Street entertainment.
- 8:00 p.m.: Dramatized exhibition “Scenes from a Wedding.” Interpretation Center.
- 9:30 p.m.: Equestrian exhibition presented by the El Remolino Riding School and presided over by Her Majesty Mariana of Austria. Plaza de Segovia. Followed by the Royal Parade: Their Majesties’ entourages will proceed to Plaza Francisco Sandoval.
- 9:30 p.m.: Dramatized presentation “Mariana’s Journey.” Interpretation Center.
- 10:00 p.m.: Betrothal Ceremony of Their Majesties King Philip IV and Queen Mariana of Austria (Plaza Francisco Sandoval).
- 11:30 p.m.: “A fuego.” Circocido (Fire show). Eduardo Flores Street.
- 1:00 a.m.: Market closes.
Saturday, August 29
- 11:30 a.m.: Opening of the Royal Market.
- 12:00 p.m.: Wine tasting hosted by Bodega Andrés Díaz. (Advance registration required. Limited capacity.) Interpretation Center.
- 12:30 p.m.: Interactive workshops in Plaza de Don Sabino.
- 12:30 p.m.: Turdión and Circocido. Street entertainment.
- 12:30 p.m.: Fencing workshop for children. Mariana de Austria Square. Ettenhard Fencing School.
- 1:00 p.m.: Dramatized exhibition “Scenes from a Wedding.” Interpretation Center.
- 2:00 p.m.: Time to sit down to a good meal.
- 7:00 p.m.: Reopening of the Market.
- 7:15 p.m.: Parade of comedians and musicians.
- 7:30 p.m.: Chess Entertainment. The Queen’s Era. Plaza del Teatro.
- 7:30 p.m.: Romances. Diversas Collective. Interpretation Center.
- 7:30 p.m.: Circocido. Street entertainment.
- 8:00 p.m.: Hands-on workshops. Plaza de Don Sabino.
- 8:00 p.m.: Dramatized presentation “Scenes from a Wedding.” Interpretation Center.
- 8:15 p.m.: “Music for a Wedding,” a concert by Víctor Manuel Moreno. C/ Real.
- 8:30 p.m.: “Cuasi Volando.” Interactive aerial acrobatics workshop. La Nave. Plaza Don Sabino.
- 8:45 p.m.: “Corners of the Golden Age.” (Theater). La Nave. Interpretation Center.
- 9:00 p.m.: “Una de bufones” (Theatre/circus). Circocido. C/ Eduardo Flores.
- 9:30 p.m.: Dramatized presentation “Mariana’s Journey.” Interpretation Center.
- 9:45 p.m.: Theater. Colectivo Diversas. Eduardo Flores Street.
- 10:00 p.m.: Duels in the market. Ettenhard Fencing School.
- 10:15 p.m.: “Music for a Wedding,” a concert by Víctor Manuel Moreno. C/ Real.
- 10:30 p.m.: “Las que llevan la luz” (The Ones Who Bear the Light). (Theater). Camaleón Teatro and La Nave. Interpretation Center.
- 11:15 p.m.: Historical music concert. Corchea. Cellar at the Interpretation Center.
- 11:15 p.m.: Street entertainment. Circocido.
- 12:30 a.m.: Grimonium. Folk concert. Eduardo Flores Street.
- 1:30 a.m.: Market closes.
Sunday, August 30
- 12:00 p.m.: Opening of the Royal Market.
- 12:30 p.m.: Musicians, comedians, and jugglers kick off the big celebration. Parade.
- 12:30 p.m.: Opening of the exhibition “Scenes from a Wedding.” Interpretation Center.
- 12:45 p.m.: Fencing Workshop. Ettenhard School.
- 1:00 p.m.: “Grape Festival.” Grape stomping, traditional games, wine and sangria tastings. Plaza del Teatro.
- 1:30 p.m.: Entertainment throughout the market. Circocido.
- 2:00 p.m.: Free tasting of “Olla del segador” for all attendees, courtesy of La Casuca Asturiana, Camaleón Teatro, and La Nave Espacio Cultural. Plaza Mariana de Austria.
- 2:30 p.m.: Break for a good meal.
- 7:00 p.m.: Bagpipes and drums kick off the Market. Turdión. Parade.
- 7:30 p.m.: Hands-on workshops. Camaleón. Plaza Don Sabino.
- 7:30 p.m.: Dramatized presentation “Scenes from a Wedding.” Interpretation Center.
- 7:30 p.m.: Chess Entertainment. The Queen’s Era. Plaza del Teatro.
- 7:45 p.m.: “Music for a Wedding,” a concert by Víctor Manuel Moreno. C/ Real.
- 8:00 p.m.: “Corners of the Golden Age” (Theater). La Nave. Interpretation Center.
- 8:00 p.m.: Interactive aerial silks workshop. La Nave. Plaza Don Sabino.
- 8:30 p.m.: “Una de cómicos” (Play). Circocido. Eduardo Flores St.
- 8:45 p.m.: Music throughout the market. Turdión.
- 9:00 p.m.: “Las que llevan la luz” (Play). Camaleón and La Nave. Interpretation Center.
- 9:30 p.m.: Equestrian exhibition by Hípica el Remolino. Plaza Segovia.
- 9:45 p.m.: “Music for a Wedding” performed by Víctor Manuel Moreno. C/ Real.
- 10:00 p.m.: Dramatized exhibition “Scenes from a Wedding.” Interpretation Center.
- 10:30 p.m.: “Una de juglares” (Theater-circus). Circocido. C/ Eduardo Flores.
- 11:00 p.m.: Farewell parade.
- 12:00 a.m.: End of the festivities and closing of the Royal Market.
Hours of Operation
- Friday, August 28: 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
- Saturday, August 29: 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
- Sunday, August 30: from 12:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to midnight.