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The 25th edition of the Orihuela Medieval Market will be held from February 28 to March 2. The event has been contracted to the Valencian company AMB Producciones, with a payment of over 12,000 euros for its organization.
A LONGER WAIT
This year, the Orihuela Medieval Market enthusiasts have to wait rather longer than usual. While the event typically takes place in February, the Council decided in December to move it to the end of the month, from February 28 to March 2, due to logistical reasons.
This year’s celebration is anticipated to be the most magical one yet, as it marks the 25th anniversary of the beloved event. Along with Holy Week and the Moors and Christians Festival, the Medieval Market is a cornerstone of Orihuela’s cultural calendar.
EXCITING LAUNCH
The festivities will kick off on February 28, with a special visit for schoolchildren, allowing approximately 500 students and teachers an opportunity to explore the market and experience the open stalls for the first time. All students in Orihuela, including those from the coast and surrounding districts, are invited to join the tour, which will begin at 10:00 a.m. in Plaza del Carmen.
The official opening ceremony will follow, with animation groups parading in full medieval costume. The parade will start at the Church of Santiago and end at Rincón Hernandiano, where an equestrian show will take place.
KEY EVENTS: PROCLAMATION & PARADE
On March 1, the Armengola Proclamation will be read from the Town Hall balcony, after a festive procession departs from Puerta de la Olma at 11:00 a.m. and heads to the Town Hall. The Mayor, the Councillor for Festivities, and officials from the Moors and Christians Festival Association will greet those in attendance.
The market will come to a close on Sunday, March 2, at 8:00 p.m. with a grand closing parade, featuring musicians, theatrical performers, and street entertainers thereby bringing the event to an exciting finish.
DIVIDED INTO THREE UNIQUE ZONES
As always, the market will be divided into three distinct zones, each representing one of the three monotheistic cultures that once coexisted in Old Uryula.
Zone 1: Christian, Jewish & Muslim Heritage
Covering Plaza Santiago, Calle Francisco Díe, Plaza del Carmen, and several surrounding streets, this zone will feature:
Live performances from musicians and entertainers, with at least five performances each morning and afternoon.
Workshops showcasing medieval crafts such as pottery, blacksmithing, leather embossing, and glassmaking.
An interactive farm with animals including donkeys, dromedaries, piglets, and rabbits in Plaza de la Salud.
Zone 2: Family Fun and Festive Stalls
This area, stretching from Calle Mayor to Plaza Santa Lucía, will offer:
Street performances in Plaza Ramón Sijé and Plaza de la Soledad.
Children’s games and attractions in Plaza del Salvador, including a merry-go-round and Ferris wheel.
A tavern sponsored by the Celiac Association and a sweets stall run by a local disabled association.
Moors and Christians Festival taverns, where visitors can enjoy traditional food and drinks served by different groups.
Zone 3: The Arab World
Dedicated to the Arab culture, this zone will cover Calle Adolfo Clavarana to Rincón Hernandiano, and will include:
Arabic dance performances from a traveling dance troupe.
Craft and food stalls, selling Moroccan crafts, spices, dates, jewellery, and traditional sweets.
An Arab village recreation, complete with weapon exhibitions and displays of Arab culture.
A medieval tournament with six horse riders participating in combat, archery, and horseback acrobatics.
EXTRA FEATURES FOR 2024
This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever, thanks to AMB Producciones, which has promised additional attractions:
Two more music and theatre groups.
Additional performances of Arabic dances, medieval, Celtic, and Arabic music, as well as large-scale shows in Plaza Ramón Sijé.
LARGE-SCALE ATTRACTION WITH THOUSANDS OF VISITORS
Last year’s market drew over 12,000 visitors daily, with peak attendance reaching 15,000. The influx of visitors typically comes not only from Orihuela but also from Alicante and the Region of Murcia. The event also attracts tourists from abroad, including the UK, Holland, Belgium, and France.
In addition to the festivities, museums such as the Casa de Miguel Hernández were able to welcome over 10,000 visitors during the Medieval Market in 2024.
With the impressive increase in attractions, entertainment, and visitors, the 25th Medieval Market is sure to be a spectacular celebration of Orihuela’s medieval culture and history.
TRANSPORT FROM ORIHUELA COSTA
The councillor for the coast has confirmed that transport will be provided from the coast although at the time of writing details are still to be released.
For further information, please contact the following telephone numbers for the Orihuela Centro tourism office: 96 530 46 45 or 96 530 27 47 or the Orihuela Playa tourism office 672 218 977 or send a WhatsApp to the following number 673 836 385.
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