Medieval Fairs in Madrid that You Can't Miss

If there’s one plan that never fails when you’re looking for something different, it’s the medieval fairs in Madrid. Every year, both the capital and many towns in the Community dress up in period costumes and set up authentic trips back in time.

How? With decorations on the streets, stalls, artisans working live, live music of bagpipes and drums, shows, and homemade food freshly made.

But what makes the medieval fairs of Madrid special is their atmosphere, the people in costume, and the exhibitions.

Want to know more about this plan that combines history, leisure, culture, and gastronomy?

What are medieval fairs?

If you’ve never been to one, the first thing to clarify is that the medieval fairs of Madrid are not a couple of stalls set up at random: they are a piece of travel to the past recreated with great care. Everything is designed so that you feel like you’ve sneaked into the Middle Ages.

As you stroll, you’ll come across artisans working iron as it was done centuries ago, children learning to knead bread in workshops or writing with pen and ink, street musicians providing the soundtrack with bagpipes and drums, and actors improvising theatrical scenes in the middle of a square. Everything!

The atmosphere is amazing: streets dressed in colored fabrics, wooden stalls, straw, and lanterns that, at nightfall, ignite the magic.

The medieval fairs and markets that you can't miss in Madrid

The good thing about medieval fairs is that they take place in some of the most beautiful villages in Madrid. And be careful, because each one has its own personality; some are huge and look like a theme park of the Middle Ages, and others are more family-friendly.

Here are some of the most powerful to mark on your calendar.

Chinchón Medieval Market - March

Chinchón’s main square already has charm on its own, but when its medieval market arrives, it becomes a movie set. Wooden stalls, parades, and falconry shows everywhere. Its charm is the size; it is the most intimate market on the entire list.

El Álamo Medieval Fair - May

This is the great star of the medieval fairs in Madrid. Every spring, El Álamo is transformed into an authentic medieval setting with more than 300 stalls, parades, knight fights, and nightly shows that illuminate the entire town. It is so big that it attracts people from all over Spain, and it is not uncommon to see visitors who come only for this event. In addition to crafts and street theater, at the El Álamo fair there is live music and areas where the little ones can play at being apprentice knights or bakers.

Manzanares El Real Medieval Market - May

If you are looking for a medieval fair with a luxury setting, the one in Manzanares El Real is your place. The market is set up next to the imposing castle of the municipality, which in itself creates a spectacular atmosphere. And in addition to stalls and recreations, here the most striking are the activities related to life in a castle: weapons workshops, dramatized visits, and very varied representations.

Alcalá de Henares Cervantes Market - October

It is impossible to talk about medieval fairs in Madrid without mentioning the Cervantes Market. It is in Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. And of course, everything here revolves around the figure of the writer and his time. The historical recreations, the Cervantes theater, the workshops, and the activities are set in the Golden Age.

Getafe Medieval Market - September

Getafe’s is one of the most popular medieval markets in southern Madrid. For several days, its streets are filled with craft stalls, taverns, parades, and activities for all audiences.

And the best of all is that it is usually very focused on traditional trades: you will see blacksmiths, potters, and artisans working live. There are also shows designed for children such as storytellers or puppet shows.

Ciutadella Fest - August

Although more recent, the Ciutadella Fest has made a place for itself among the most original medieval fairs in the Community. What differentiates it is its mix of tradition and modern music. During the day you will be able to stroll among stalls, workshops, and historical recreations, and at night things get lively with concerts by great artists and fire shows.

The atmosphere is very family-friendly, ideal for going with children, but also perfect if you are looking for a different plan with friends.

Typical activities of medieval fairs in Madrid

At the medieval fairs in Madrid, the range of activities is enormous and there is always something new that will surprise you.

The most popular are the falconry shows: falcons, owls, and eagles fly over the public in exhibitions that leave anyone with their mouths open. The knights’ tournaments are also a classic, where two warriors face each other on horseback while people cheer from the stands.

But there is also street theater, musicians who travel the streets with bagpipes, flutes, and drums, fire shows, and participatory workshops for all ages.

And of course, the gastronomy is another spectacle in itself. The smell of meat, loaves of bread roasting live, artisan cheeses, sweet cakes, or a good glass of mead make the visit not only visual, but also an authentic trip for the palate.

Are you coming to experience a medieval fair in Madrid?

It doesn’t matter if you choose the great El Álamo Fair or prefer the main square of Chinchón, the essence of the medieval fairs of Madrid always hooks you and manages to transport you to another era.

And to top off the experience, nothing like staying with WAOU Rentals. We have modern, comfortable apartments in the heart of the city so you can combine your trip back in time with all the comforts of the present. Because after a day surrounded by knights, minstrels, and freshly baked loaves of bread, the best thing is to return to a space designed to rest and continue enjoying Madrid.