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Castro Marim, near the Algarve border with Spain will return to medieval times from August 28 till 31. The initiative of the local town hall, this will be an excellent opportunity for people to go back in time and enjoy the presence of colourful wandering minstrels, horsemen, knights, kings, queens and noblemen, as well as medieval merchants and storytellers all dressed in the authentic clothing of the times.

It will be the seventh edition of Castro Marin’s Medieval Days, a bit of living history in eastern Algarve. The music and food presented at the fair, which will take place at the town’s medieval castle, are also chosen to reflect the period. Among the many events included in the programme will be a jousting tournament and an exhibition of torture instruments from the middle ages, as well as special storytelling sessions for the children. The only money which can be used inside the castle will be the ‘Real’ and visitors will have the chance to exchange their euros for the medieval coins, which will be the only valid currency for commercial transactions within the fair’s precinct. Last year, nearly fifty thousand people attended the event, one of the most memorable moments of which was a medieval parade through the town’s streets, with locals and visitors alike dressed in medieval costumes.

The ‘Medieval Days of Castro Marim’ began 11 years ago as a fair to promote local history and products. Castro Marim Castle was built by the Moors to protect the Algarve coast. In 1242 the castle was taken from the Moors by Don Paio Peres Correia, during the reign of King Alfonso III. In 1319 King Dinis made Castro Marim Castle the headquarters of the Order of Christ, created to substitute the Templar Order.

 

source: http://www.euroweeklynews.com