In another post we told you about the most curious festivals in La Rioja, but now that the time has come, we take a closer look at one of the most fun festivals in the region, the Jornadas Medievales de Briones.
Sword combat between warriors. Author: BigSus
Here are 10 reasons why you can't miss this festive season:
- Because they were declared of Regional Tourist Interest in 2006 and National in 2012.
- Because it is a consolidated event that has been held since 1996.
- Because they are held in the beautiful municipality of Briones, where, in addition to the conference, there are many other tourist attractions, as we tell you here.
- Because they are held in the summer, on 20 and 21 June to be precise. Who doesn't fancy a good party in the good weather?
- Because they attract a large number of visitors, some 50,000 people each year.
- Because for two days you will feel part of a bygone era. You will be able to live and experience first-hand the way of life in the Middle Ages.
- Because every year around 700 people dress up in period costumes, creating an authentic and inimitable atmosphere.
- Because you can find out what the trades of the Middle Ages were like thanks to the numerous themed portals that depict the work and customs of the past.
- Because you will be able to enjoy theatrical performances, dances, shows and an endless number of activities that we will detail for you.
- And, of course, you will be able to taste the best dishes of the Rioja gastronomy, without forgetting, of course, the best wines with Denominación de Origen Calificada La Rioja.
Have we convinced you? If you want to join this fun party, we give you all the information you need - read on!
Inaugural parade of the medieval days of Briones
WHERE AND WHEN?
In Briones, a municipality in La Rioja, located just 39 kilometres from Logroño and 7 km from Haro. It has a total surface area of 38 square kilometres and is home to 856 people. The medieval days are held on 20 and 21 June 2015.
View of Briones, surrounded by Riojan vineyards
HOW IS IT PREPARED?
The "Briones Medieval Briones" Association has been organising the conference since 1996. Its work is so important that it became the first Cultural Association in Spain in 2005, obtaining the Company Registration Certificate and the "Q" for Quality.
This association is made up of people from the municipality and is a non-profit cultural association.
Every November they begin to prepare the days, extending the task until the month of June. Meetings are held, budgets are prepared, groups are hired, the streets are decorated, the costumes, suits and flags are sewn, posters are made, the atmosphere is set in the doorways... in short, the town of Briones is meticulously prepared so that it is perfect during the days.
WHAT DOES IT DO? MORE CURIOUS CONTENTS
These festivities commemorate the Peace of Briones signed on 31 March 1739 by Henry II of Trastamara, King of Castile and Charles II, King of Navarre.
For two days, a return to the past is made and the way of life in the 14th century, during the Middle Ages, is recreated in greatdetail.
The streets of the town are decorated in such a way that the decorations combined with the old quarter leave no doubt that we are in the presence of a medieval town. There are numerous themed portals where the inhabitants of Briones, very well characterised, represent the ancient medieval trades, but there are also continuous complementary shows that make even the streets of the municipality come to life.
The blacksmith's trade portal. Author: BigSus
Highlights include sword fights between Navarrese and Castilian warriors, the witchcraft trials of the Holy Inquisition, the passing of the drumstick, concerts, the sound and light show in which the Peace of Briones is represented and many other activities that we detail below.
Stick pass
FULL PROGRAMME 2015
For more information: Brionesmedieval.com
Don't let another year pass you by and come to Briones to enjoy the conference. And if you like wine and its history, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Museum Vivanco of Wine Culture.
