We often give a recommendation to visit somewhere, but it is not often we provide a report on what it was like. One of the reasons that many live in Spain, and that so many people like to visit, is that the Spanish love to enjoy themselves, love fiestas and have a wonderful sense of fun and frivolity.
Take for example, the superb medieval market in Orihuela. It is the biggest medieval market in Spain and Orihuela is perfect for this annual event, as the narrow streets of its historic centre add an authenticity to the whole affair. Many buildings really do date from the Middle Ages and include an Arab fortress in ruins and several gothic churches, evidence of Orihuela’s transition from Arab stronghold to Catholic territory during the medieval period.
One of the reasons many people go to the market is to eat the wonderful medieval market fare. Slabs of meat sizzle on grills the circumference of mill wheels and whole pigs roast on spits. Meals of tortilla, cured meats and peppers are served on huge tranches of bread. We enjoyed calamari, crispy little “boquerones”, a platter of many different Spanish meats and sausages in rich colours of deep red, the rich chorizo orange and black; (local “morcilla” or black pudding as well as the char-grilled sausages).
We asked the food vendor who served us if they were local, and they were from Andalucia. Many travel even from the north of Spain with their specialties, including from Asturias, Galicia and Catalonia. We washed it all down with glasses or rich “tinto” or red wine.
The Arab presence in medieval Spain is always strong at the Market, with their distinctive tents and turbaned vendors selling couscous, kebabs, honey-drenched pastries, sweet mint tea and even herbs and spices.
There are wandering troupes of musicians and entertainers on stilts, every type of farm animal one can imagine, including some huge bulls, jousting tournaments (yes really!), magnificent birds of prey eyeing their admirers in a slightly baleful manner, and an incredible array of artisan gifts for sale.
But the thing that astonishes me every year is the way the Spanish throw themselves into this amazing spectacle, both those who are involved and dressed in medieval dress and those who participate.