Normally the historicist markets that are held regularly in the municipalities of Madrid do not have a specific reason, but Navalcarnero’s is different. This town returns this weekend to 1649 with the celebration of its now emblematic Golden Age Market, an event that transforms the historic center into a seventeenth-century village from August 28 to 31.
Declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, this market goes far beyond the usual medieval recreation: it is dedicated to remembering one of the most important historical milestones for the town, the royal wedding of Philip IV and Mariana of Austria, on October 7, 1649. That event marked the municipality, which received the title of Villa Real in gratitude for the hospitality with which it welcomed the monarchs.
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For three days, the streets and squares of the old town are decorated to immerse residents and visitors in the atmosphere of that golden age of Spanish culture, art and literature. Costumed neighbors, artisan markets, taverns, workshops, street shows and displays of old trades create a unique atmosphere in which there is no shortage of historical recreations, dances, open-air theater and various equestrian exhibitions.
The highlight of the event is undoubtedly the Royal Parade: a carefully staged recreation of the arrival of the king and the wedding ceremony, followed by traditional dances and greetings from the royal procession to the villagers. This year it will be held on Friday 29 at 21:30 h after the equestrian exhibition.
The Navalcarnero Golden Century Market will last until Sunday 31, with its well-known historical rigor in the costumes, decoration and trades represented.
As usual, there will be a market with traditional products, where you can taste historically inspired gastronomic specialties and see up close how leather, forging and goldsmithing were worked 400 years ago. In addition, the program includes classical theater, circus, children’s workshops and evening shows in different squares of the town. You can consult the complete program at this link.