The Old Town (Dalt Vila) of Ibiza has been a UNESCO World Heritage site ever since 1999. This is celebrated with a four-day festival to celebrate the town’s medieval past: the “Feria Medieval”. Over a period of four days, the old town is transported back to the Middle Ages with a great array of stalls, marquees, colourful flags and awnings. Around 150,000 visitors flock to Ibiza to celebrate the Medieval Weekend.
Can you picture yourself watching falconry, cross-bow shooting, jousting or juggling with a large grilled spare rib in one hand and a large mug of foaming castle beer made in the traditional way in the other? There are over 200 marquees and booths where artists and craftspeople display their wares: trinkets and snacks made by their own fair hands.
The walls of the old city form the perfect backdrop to this huge open-air theatre where professional actors take on the roles of wizards, witches, snake charmers, fakirs, minstrels, jesters and, of course, princes and princesses. Stroll around the medieval market that revives the sounds and smells of these bygone days.
Another reason to pay a visit to this festival is to find out more about the ancient history of this town. The re-enactments primarily bring to mind the influence of three particular cultures (Phoenician, Roman and Arab) that have shaped Ibiza town into what it is today. Don’t be surprised to see a variety of stalls and dance shows with an Arab theme.
“Feria Medieval 2018” will be held for the 19th time – already! – and kicks off on Thursday 10 May at 18:00 hours with a parade from the Reina Sofia Park. The opening ceremony is held at 21:30 when you can cheer on a medieval tournament in the old market square. On Friday 11, Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 May, the festival opens at 10:00 and takes place in and around the old town. Entry is free.
