Saturday 24th - Sunday 25th September 2011 

 Perpignan and Fort of Serrat d’en Vaquer

Trobades Médiévales de Perpignan - medieval fun in and around Perpignan

 

Great fun for all the family, this medieval weekend takes us back in time to the days of the kings of Majorque, lively and colourful, with a careful reconstitution of the affluent and long ago times. This year, the festivities will take part in the centre of Perpignan, but also at the former *Fort of Serrat d’en Vaquer, near Auchan.

Originally created in October 1991 by Eliane Thibaut-Comelade in front of the chapelle Saint – Dominique, the medieval market was intended to be a ’taster’ for the medieval supper which was to take place inside the chapel. The aim of this supper was to present to the town of Perpignan the many events being put on to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the writng of the medieval epic romance « Tirant lo Blanc », (the White Knight) written by Valencian knight Joanot Martorell in 1490, and said to be one of the most important books of Valencian literature. « Tirant lo Blanc » is the name of the main character of the romance, considered a major influence for Don Quixote writer, Miguel de Cervantes a century later.

Medieval knight from Brittany, Tirant, travels across Europe in his quest for adventure.When the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire asks for his help against the Ottoman Turks, Tirant is made captain of the army and saves the Empire from destruction. He dies just before he is able to marry the heiress to the Empire.

The Spanish film, Tirant lo Blanc, based on the later part of the book, was released in early 2006.

SATURDAY - PERPIGNAN CENTRE

Morning
« Qui a agressé Bernat Xanxo? » : Giant medieval Cluedo game for all the family.
Depart Palmarium -

Afternoon from 14h30
Départure of parade of dancers, Gegants, musicians in front of the Castillet, place de la Victoire passing through quai Vauban, place Arago, rue de la Barre.....

place de la République - combat
place Gambetta - medieval dancing and music, giant wooden games.....
place de la loge - ’scènettes médiévales’ : Moretum
Cathedral bells announce the end of the afternoon

SATURDAY - SERRAT D’EN VAQUER

From 14h
Opening of « Trobades médiévales de Perpignan » medieval market and camp.
20h: grand banquet with entertainment (reservation recommended 04 68 66 31 63 as places limited - 25€)
Grand fire show by the Armée des Maures  

SUNDAY - *SERRAT D’EN VAQUER

FREE

10h to 18h :
A free medieval extravaganza of jousts, battles re-enactments, snake show, horse and foot fighting, fire eaters, jugglers, falcons, musicians.....
Visit of the ancient camp, medieval market, demos.......
Lunch available at the tavern (not free!) or bring a picnic!
Games on horseback
Grand battle re-enactment with over 80 handfighters, archers....

*SERRAT D’EN VAQUER A little jewel tucked away off the Auchan roundabout opposite the Villa Duflot hotel! The former Fort of Serrat d’en Vaquer stands on the highest hill of the Roussillon plain, near the XIV century Aqueduct les Arcades, with superb views to the sea and to the mountains. Its strategic situation placed the fort in an excellent position to defend Perpignan against the Spanish as it is mainly underground and faces two ways, allowing maximum use of artillery while concealing the troops. Now used for walking, bike riding and picnics the site is not only known for its historic importance. In the XIX century, more than fifty varieties of fossilised animals, including wolves, monkeys, gazelles and a giant tortoise from five million years ago were found by Dr Albert Donezans of Perpignan, and can now be seen in museums in Perpignan, Lyon and Paris.

 

More information
04 68 66 30 30

 

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