The town of Escalona, located in the province of Toledo, is set to enhance its annual Medieval Festival, which will take place from October 16 to 18. This year’s event will feature over 100 activities and will include the newly incorporated Convent of Santa Beatriz de Silva, a site of significant historical value.
Álvaro Gutiérrez, the regional delegate of the Junta in Toledo and mayor of Escalona, stated that the festival has evolved into a major tourist attraction, emphasizing that it does not create a fictional medieval village but rather highlights the town's authentic historical identity, which was once a center of power, culture, and splendor during the Middle Ages.
In a press conference alongside Susana Morón, the tourism councilor, Gutiérrez outlined the festival's diverse offerings, which will transform Escalona into a grand medieval stage. The event will feature a craft market, taverns, medieval camps, workshops, thematic exhibitions, falconry, children's games, performances, music, theater, street entertainment, contests, guided tours, and large parades.
Activities will be organized across various thematic areas tied to the town's heritage and history, including the Infante area, the honor field, the neighborhood of Don Álvaro de Luna, and the Priory, which will primarily host concerts and theatrical performances.
The medieval market, which is particularly popular among visitors, will host over 80 merchant and artisan stalls, alongside food and drink options, taverns, and various atmospheric proposals.
Gutiérrez emphasized that the goal is for visitors to experience and explore Escalona throughout the weekend, encouraging them to discover the castle, city walls, local literature, murals, the Alberche River, gastronomy, and the overall heritage of the town.
The castle serves as a central element of the festival, representing the town's historical narrative. Under its rule, Escalona experienced a period of great prosperity, transitioning from a defensive fortress to a lavish noble palace. Although last year's tournament was held in the castle's courtyard, it will return to its original location at the Parra parking lot due to ongoing restoration work on the castle's tower, which collapsed after heavy rains.
The newly added Convent of Santa Beatriz de Silva will feature its own programming, including medieval concerts by the group Otesa, parades starting from the convent, and a performance of 'The Miracle of Santa Beatriz de Silva' by the Mago de Oz Association.
Gutiérrez expressed gratitude towards local associations, groups, and citizens for their involvement in the festival, reinforcing the idea that this celebration is a community-driven event rather than an external spectacle. This year, two new local groups, Tera Evento and the Fernando Zapata School, will join the collaborative efforts alongside existing participants such as the Mago de Oz Association, the Iris Women’s Association, the Santa Cecelia Musical Association, the Inmaculada Concepción Dance Group, and the Don Álvaro Association.
The festival will kick off on Friday, October 16, at 6:00 PM with an inaugural parade from the castle, followed by the market opening and scheduled activities until midnight. On Saturday, activities will run from 11:00 AM to midnight, and on Sunday until 8:00 PM, concluding with a grand closing parade featuring music and period characters.
