There are many types of getaways that can be made throughout the length and breadth of the Community of Madrid, but undoubtedly among the most original -and that have been gaining popularity in recent years- are the medieval and period markets. It is not surprising considering the completeness and variety of their programs, ranging from children’s shows to typical gastronomy, jousting tournaments, parades and craft stalls.
Some of them, in addition, have been distinguished as festivals of regional tourist interest. A different and perfect leisure plan to spend a day with family or friends outside the city without having to travel far.
Medieval Market of Chinchón
Madrid’s medieval markets cannot be understood without the one in Chinchón. Every year, coinciding with the arrival of Carnival, one of the most beautiful villages in Madrid is transformed into an authentic medieval village where the streets are filled with minstrels, knights, musicians and other period characters. The Plaza Mayor hosts various craft stalls and throughout the town there are shows and activities in this celebration that commemorates one of the visits of the Catholic Monarchs to Chinchón.
It is also a good time to enjoy its typical gastronomy with dishes such as migas (fried breadcrumbs) or garlic soups.
📍Location: several locations around Chinchón
🗓️ Dates: between the end of February and the beginning of March.
Great Medieval Market-Fair of El Álamo
About 6 kilometers of route with 300 artisans, decoration and ambience, exhibitions, jousting tournaments, concerts, parades… and much more. The list of elements that make up the Gran Feria-Mercado Medieval de El Álamo is almost as long as its history, which dates back to 1996. Since then it has grown to become in 2016 Fair of Tourist Interest of the Community of Madrid.
All the Alameños and Alameñas turn every year to the celebration of what is one of the most important medieval markets in the Community of Madrid – and undoubtedly the event of the year in the municipality – which brings together thousands of people in each edition.
📍Location: El Álamo
🗓️ Dates: generally during the May long weekend.
Manzanares el Real
One of the most beautiful towns in Madrid, with the best preserved medieval castle in the community, also has one of the best known medieval fairs. Manzanares el Real is periodically transformed every June into an authentic period enclave.
The Town Square becomes the perfect setting for a market that recreates the atmosphere of past centuries, with stalls of handicrafts, accessories and traditional cuisine. Visitors can immerse themselves in living history, enjoying storytelling shows, traveling theater and demonstrations of ancient crafts, all under the imposing silhouette of its famous castle.
📍Location: Manzanares el Real
🗓️ Dates: during June
Getafe
Every year, Getafe is immersed in a period atmosphere with its traditional Medieval Market, an event that takes visitors back centuries. For three days, the streets of the city are filled with folk music, parades, demonstrations of ancient crafts and even recreations of instruments of capital punishment. The market presents an extensive program of activities focused on traditional trades, interactive workshops and street entertainment. From goldsmithing to wax candle making, including musical shows and a fascinating Medieval corner with tools and farming equipment, this event offers a historical adventure for the whole family in the heart of the Community of Madrid.
📍Location: Getafe
🗓️ Dates: usually during September
Cervantino Market
What is considered the “largest thematic market in Europe” does not belong, to the surprise of many, to the category of medieval markets; but rather a Festival of National Tourist Interest inspired by the Golden Age, where great authors of Spanish literature lived and published their most (re)known works. Among them, Miguel de Cervantes, who gives his name to these celebrations and who is probably the most illustrious neighbor of Alcalá de Henares.
It is not strange to confuse the Cervantes Market in Alcalá de Henares with a typical medieval market. After all, the Spanish Golden Age began in the same year that the Middle Ages ended (1492). However, it is important to note that, as Rocío Jurado would say in her famous Titanlux commercial: it is (almost) the same, but it is not the same.
Every year, Alcalá de Henares is filled with more than 400 custom-made stalls and in its streets and squares you can enjoy hundreds of shows during the second week of October. A great plan that, although it does not appear in this long list, is something that every Madrilenian or adoptee should do at least once in life.
📍Location: Alcalá de Henares
🗓️ Dates: usually the second week of October, coinciding with the anniversary of the baptism of Cervantes (October 9).
El Escorial Medieval Market
Witches, princesses, jesters, giants and knights take over San Lorenzo de El Escorial when its medieval market rises. The town hall square and its surroundings are filled with stalls with handicraft items with Celtic airs and traditional dishes of the region.
📍Location: San Lorenzo de El Escorial
🗓️ Dates: various dates throughout the year.
Medieval Market of the Order of Santiago
The medieval market of Paracuellos de Jarama has that surname, “of the Order of Santiago”, because in the past the municipality belonged to that Order. Remembering that background, for a few days its streets go back to the 12th century with more than 90 craft stalls, dance and music shows, workshops, exhibitions of ancient crafts, gastronomy and much more.
📍Location: Paracuellos de Jarama
🗓️ Dates: mid-March
This article has been written by Isabel Nieto, Miguel Sánchez, Elena Francés and Helena Menéndez.