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Medieval Market of Puebla de Sanabria

Every year, around the August 15th holiday, the town of Puebla de Sanabria travels back in time to host its famous Medieval Market.

This event, considered one of the three best medieval markets in Spain, transforms the Historic-Artistic Site of the town into a vibrant stage that transports its thousands of visitors to the Middle Ages.

Medieval Market of Puebla de Sanabria
Medieval Market of Puebla de Sanabria. Photo by El_Pantera, Wikipedia.

A Bit of History
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The market’s origins date back to the Middle Ages. The charter of Senabria in 1220 already included regulations for the weekly market: “if someone returns with weapons to the main market that is held once a week… even if they do not strike anyone with them, they shall pay sixty sueldos”.

This market enjoyed royal protection, with a privilege granted by King Alfonso X “the Wise” in 1263, which reinforced the charter given to Puebla de Sanabria by King Alfonso IX of León in 1220.

In the 1990s, the Puebla de Sanabria Town Council decided to revive this tradition, turning the old weekly market into a grand Medieval Market held once a year, coinciding with the festival of August 15th.

The Medieval Market Today
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Today, the Medieval Market is a popular and cultural festival that seeks to recover the town’s commercial tradition, declared a Festival of Tourist Interest of Castilla y León since 2017.

Atmosphere and Decoration
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During these days, the walled enclosure and the Castle are adorned with colorful banners and flags, creating a festive atmosphere that, together with the town’s architecture, offers an unbeatable setting. The vendors and artisans themselves wear period costumes, contributing to the historical immersion.

Artisans and Stalls
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More than 130 artisans from all over the country, along with local producers, offer their goods: jewelry, leather, ceramics, perfumes, medicinal herbs, soaps, and a wide variety of gastronomic products such as cheeses, sausages, sweets, liqueurs, and pies.

Shows and Activities
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The market is a hive of activity with a program for all audiences:

  • Period Characters: Jesters, noblemen, acrobats, rogues, and dancers roam the streets.
  • Performances: There are knight tournaments, falconry shows, parades with jugglers, troubadours, and traditional music.
  • Theatrical Visits to the Castle: The historic stay of Joanna of Castile and Philip the Handsome in the fortress around 1506 is recreated.
  • Children’s Activities: Popular games and workshops for the little ones.

The Trial and Burning of the Witch
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The most anticipated event is undoubtedly the representation of the trial and burning of the witch, carried out by the town’s residents. At nightfall, the Inquisition captures a woman accused of witchcraft. After a summary trial near the castle, she is sentenced to be burned at the stake. A cardboard witch descends from the Keep and is burned, while the audience participates enthusiastically, ending the festive day.

The Medieval Market is a unique opportunity to experience history firsthand in one of the most beautiful towns in Spain.