Back in time…
ONE thing that Spain does well is tradition, and this weekend (May 4-7) Benidorm old town goes back in time to the Middle Ages with the arrival of a travelling medieval market that will attract thousands of visitors to
Parc d’Elx (Dove park) at the start of the Poniente beach. It visits many towns across the region, and only last weekend was in Villajoyosa.
This three-day event combines history, culture and fun and is definitely worth making an effort to go to. I always find many visitors, especially those from the UK, are always totally mesmerised by it all as there is nothing comparable back there – well certainly not in London or any major city centre to my knowledge.
The medieval market is set up along the promenade, and the road parallel to it is closed off to traffic, decorated with flags, banners and bunting, whilst the ground is covered with straw to add to the atmosphere. However, in towns such as Villajoyosa and La Nucía it is set up on the narrow cobbled streets, adding to the atmosphere.
There are around 50 stalls displaying some wonderful handmade items, with a number even demonstrating their craft. The baker is a particularly popular stop, as the smell of freshly baked bread wafts through the air. You can watch him kneading the dough then shape it into round loaves and eventually bake in the special wood-burning oven –adjusting the temperature entails either adding more sticks or knocking some away in a similar manner to a giant street paella being cooked at fiesta time.
Another worker demonstrating his skill is a potter - working with wet clay on a potter’s wheel to produce various pots and vases. In Villajoyosa there was even a workshop, giving enthusiastic children the opportunity of getting their hands dirty and trying to mould a small item, which looked like great fun. There are also other stalls where you can watch the craftsmen at work, including the likes of a blacksmith and carpenter – crafts that are probably totally alien to many. At others you could sample and purchase cheeses, smoked sausage or dried fruits, gaze at trinkets, wall art, leather goods and handmade silver jewellery.
Some traditional wooden games are set up and it is fabulous to watch children have a go and actually enjoy it. It makes a change from seeing them with a mobile phone clamped in their hands.
In Villajoyosa, a delicious smelling food court was set up, the star of which is a massive barbecue, with a selection of meats, sausages and peppers – which includes a spit roast pig (vegans and vegetarians give it a wide berth). Opposite were barbecued sardines and a crepe stand, as well as a busy mojito stall, with the queue keeping the lady busy crushing mint leaves.
All the stallholders throughout the market are dressed in traditional medieval costumes to add to the atmosphere, and there are street entertainers walking around, interacting with the crowds. So many multi-generational families come together, something that you sadly don’t often see back in the UK, but here, tradition still reigns, with teens accompanying their grandparents without embarrassment. It is a real experience, so if you are around the area it is certainly worth a visit.
One of my favourite fiestas here in Spain is the Moors and Christians, with Altea holding one of the biggest events, usually taking place towards the end of September. This is followed almost immediately by Benidorm’s Moors and Christians fiestas, which take place at the very beginning of October. The costumes and detailed face painting are exquisite and are well worth going to watch.
In the meantime, we have the entire summer to relax and enjoy, and if there are any events going on, they don’t start until well into the night because of the heat. So be like the locals and have an afternoon siesta, then you too will be able to party until 02.00!