There are many Medieval Markets held throughout Spain but the one in Orihuela, Alicante Province, is said to be the largest. Held in February each year, the market attracts thousands of visitors and hundreds of stall holders.

As with any of Spain’s Medieval Markets, one of Orihuela’s greatest attributes is that almost the whole of the city’s population gets involved. The streets in the old district of the city are decked in banners and bunting and many people dress in medieval garb: the stall holders in particular dress themselves and their stalls appropriately for the period.

Many of the items on sale in the market are also, in some way, representative of the period. You will be able to buy things like wood carvings, hand made jewelry, clothing, furniture, toys, food, drink and much more.

Although the event revolves around the market there is much more to this fiesta. For a start there are usually craft workshops where you can try your hand at making some of the items on sale in the market. But if you are less inclined to try your own artistic skills, you can see others perform at one of the many side-shows from a circus to theatre, fire dancers and music.

This year (2013) the Orihuela Medieval Market will take place on the weekend of the 3rd, 4th and 5th of February.