Less than 40 kilometers from the center of Madrid is El Alamo, a town that can boast of having the longest medieval fair in Europe -with 2 kilometers of route- and of hosting the only festival of these characteristics in the region that was declared of Regional Tourist Interest in 2016.
These are the main features of the Great Medieval Alamo Fair, which will celebrate its 27th edition in 2024 and will coincide with the may long weekend, the longest of the year: it will take place from April 30 to May 5 and will be open non-stop from 11am to midnight.
The magnitude of the event can also be understood from its figures: more than 300,000 people passed through its 350 stalls of gastronomy, crafts and workshops of ancient trades last year, not only from different parts of the Community of Madrid, but also from other parts of Spain and Portugal, France and Italy.
Program of the medieval fair El Alamo
This year’s program will feature 100 daily shows, a jousting tournament, 40 large-format parades and 30 free concerts. The route of the medieval fair will take place along Escuelas Street and Madrid Avenue, where visitors will have the opportunity to meet mythological beings, circus animations, spitfires and juggling.
As a novelty, this year’s edition will feature the premiere of Innana, a dance and aerial acrobatics show at a height of more than 15 meters and pyrotechnics. The show will be held from May 1 to 4 at 9:30 pm at the Plaza de Toros La Chacona.
The same location will host the Grand Jousting Tournament of the Villa El Alamo, with capacity for 4,500 spectators, which is inspired by the jousts banned by the Catholic Church in the 15th century. There will be two daily passes (at 1:30 pm and 6 pm) from May 1 to 5 and tickets are priced at 6€ for adults and 4€ for children up to 10 years old.
Programmed activities continue with proposals such as evening parades and a children’s corner which will be installed in the Plaza de la Ermita -with shows, attractions, Ferris wheel, workshops, archery, a Celtic labyrinth… -. The complete program can be consulted at the official website of the event.
Free concerts: The Celtival Music
On the other hand, those days will also be celebrating the third edition of The Celtival Music, which will bring together “the best Spanish and European folk of Celtic inspiration,” reports the organization. The musical performances, which will star 17 national and international bands, will take place at the Cantarranas Fairgrounds.
Access is completely free and free until full capacity is reached and will take place from Wednesday, May 1 to Sunday, May 5, from 5pm to 10pm.