A Quarter Century of Tradition: Orihuela’s Medieval Market Turns 25 this weekend

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To take coastal residents closer to one of Orihuela’s most iconic festivities, the Department of Tourism has arranged a special free bus service connecting the coast to the city centre during the Medieval Market weekend.
To take coastal residents closer to one of Orihuela’s most iconic festivities, the Department of Tourism has arranged a special free bus service connecting the coast to the city centre during the Medieval Market weekend.

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Transport is available from the coast , details below.

Councilor for Festivities, Rocío Ortuño, officially presented the new edition of the Orihuela Medieval Market, which this year marks its 25th anniversary. The event will take place from Friday, February 28, to Sunday, March 2.

“This year, we are in for a very special edition—25 years of history for this incredible event, which attracts thousands of visitors from different cities each year. They come to Orihuela to enjoy three days of festivities in the stunning setting of our historic center,” Ortuño stated.

A SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY EDITION

The opening ceremony will be held on Friday, February 28, at 11:30 AM in Plaza de Santiago. This year, the route has been reversed, ending at Rincón Hernandiano instead. Additionally, hundreds of schoolchildren will be the first to experience this year’s medieval market through guided educational visits.

On Saturday, March 1, at 11:00 AM, a parade will make its way to Orihuela’s City Hall, where the traditional proclamation speech will be delivered by Armengola 2024, Loli Sánchez. The closing parade will take place on Sunday, March 2, at 8:00 PM, marking the end of this milestone edition.

Ortuño highlighted the special features of this anniversary, including the “Witch’s Village” in Plaza de Santiago and a completely revamped lineup of entertainment, music, and performances, promising an even more immersive experience.

MARKET ZONES

The market will be divided into three themed areas: Jewish, Christian, and Arab. The layout includes:

Zone 1: Plaza de Santiago, Plaza del Carmen, Marqués de Arneva, Plaza Antonio Balaguer, Santa Justa, Plaza Condesa de Villa Manuel, José María Sarget, López Pozas, and Colón.

Zone 2: Calle Mayor, Dr. José María Sarget, Plaza del Salvador, Plaza de la Anunciación, Plaza de la Soledad, Plaza Teniente Linares, Pasaje Emilio Bregante, Plaza Ramón Sijé, Calle Soleres, Pasaje Semana Santa, Plaza Santa Lucía, Santa Lucía, and Dr. Don Jaime Sánchez.

Zone 3: Calle Santa Lucía, Adolfo Clavarana, Explanada de Santo Domingo, and Rincón Hernandiano.

Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy traditional craft stalls, food vendors, and medieval taverns. The Association of Moors and Christians of Santas Justa and Rufina will also participate, setting up their own themed taverns. As in previous years, the market will include a gluten-free tavern in collaboration with ACECOVA (Celiac Association of the Valencian Community), located in Plaza de la Soledad.

PURPLE INFORMATION POINT

Following its success last year, the Purple Information Point, organized by the Department of Equality, will return to provide a safe space for those in need of assistance or information. It will be staffed by professionals from the department and will be located in Plaza Ramón Sijé.

PARKING & ACCESSIBILITY

To facilitate parking, designated park-and-ride areas will be available at Los Huertos, behind the Álvarez de la Riva Health Center, Carretera de Hurchillo, and Carretera de Beniel.

AN INVITATION TO EXPERIENCE MEDIEVAL MAGIC

Ortuño encouraged locals and visitors alike to “immerse themselves in the medieval magic that will take over the city, making the Orihuela Medieval Market one of the most important and spectacular in Spain.”

She also thanked the various city departments, Local Police, Emergency Services, Civil Protection, and National Police for ensuring the safety of the event, as well as the continued support of Hidraqua.

For more information, visit the official website and social media pages of the Orihuela City Council. Printed brochures will be available at the Tourism Office, and a QR code for digital downloads will be displayed on posters and flyers throughout the city.

FREE BUSES FOR COASTAL RESIDENTS

To take coastal residents closer to one of Orihuela’s most iconic festivities, the Department of Tourism has arranged a special free bus service connecting the coast to the city centre during the Medieval Market weekend.

“We want coastal residents to fully experience this medieval event,” said Manuel Mestre, Councillor for Tourism and the Coast.

The buses will operate on Friday, February 28, Saturday, March 1, and Sunday, March 2, departing from Playa Flamenca at 11:00 AM and returning from Orihuela city at 6:00 PM, allowing attendees ample time to enjoy the celebration.

The buses are fully accessible for people with reduced mobility. “We want this service to be available to everyone,” Mestre added.

Seats are limited, so interested residents must book in advance via https://orihuelaturistica.com.

“We encourage our coastal community to take advantage of this free service and immerse themselves in the magic of the Medieval Market,” Mestre concluded.

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