Just an hour from Madrid, the town of Hita (Guadalajara) celebrates this weekend, from July 4 to 6, the 63rd edition of its emblematic Medieval Festival, the oldest of its kind in Spain and a Festival of National Tourist Interest. For three days, the cobbled streets and squares of this historic town are transformed into an authentic medieval stage, with residents and visitors dressed in period costumes, decorated balconies and an atmosphere that relives the Middle Ages with rigor and enthusiasm.
This year’s program is especially vibrant and diverse. Friday, July 4 kicks off with the inauguration of the medieval market, traditional music and a tribute to actor Manuel Galiana, who will be named Adopted Son of Hita. In the evening, the ruins of the Church of San Pedro host the representation of The Book of Good Love, the masterpiece of the Archpriest of Hita, with Luis Huete as the protagonist.
Saturday, July 5 is the big day, with free visits to the House-Museum of the Archpriest, the church and the traditional wineries from the morning. At noon the theatrical wedding of Don Melón and Doña Endrina, characters from the Book of Good Love, is celebrated, and during the afternoon the village is filled with micro-theater, animations and the traditional parade of medieval characters. The great chivalric tournament, with jousting on horseback and combat, is one of the most anticipated moments, followed by the theatrical performance A King for a Dream in the ruins of San Pedro, and a spectacular medieval night fight in the palenque, as well as concerts of fantastic-medieval music.
On Sunday, July 6, the day is dedicated to workshops, conferences on medieval music, dance exhibitions and a festive farewell with music and entertainment in the Plaza del Arcipreste. Throughout the festival, there is a craft market, visits to caves and wineries, traditional cuisine and the presence of the “botargas”, masked characters of pagan origin that walk the streets with cowbells and clubs.