Tourists visiting the Murcia region later this month will be able to immerse themselves in a magical mediaeval-themed experience when Caravaca de la Cruz hosts the Medievalada festival.
To be held from 23 to 25 February, as part of the historic religious town’s jubilee year celebrations, the event will include live music, mediaeval games, gastronomy, an illustrated exhibition of mediaeval history and a “Moors and Christians” parade.
Located in the north-western area of the Murcia region, Caravaca de la Cruz is the fifth Holy City of Catholic Christianity (the others are Rome, Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela and Camaleño). In 1998 Pope Paul II granted it the privilege of celebrating a jubilee year in perpetuity (every seven years). The first “Jubilee Year of the Santísima y Vera Cruz” was in 2003, and the next is being held this year.
In addition to the mediaeval Santuario de la Vera Cruz basilica, Caravaca de la Cruz is also home to several convents and a parish church with a cross celebrated for its reputed healing power.
The musical program for Medievalada includes 10 festive music bands, the music group Conecta2 and DJ Lázaro, and the Neoverbeneo duo (formed by Aaron Sanchez and Nando Costa). There will also be games such as checkers, chess, skill boards, jousting for children, and a human-scaled Royal Game of the Goose.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a special gastronomic experience offering the opportunity of attending a grand mediaeval banquet enlivened with music and minstrels, and traditional cuisine including poultry broths and roasted meats, rustic breads and creamy spreads.
The “Illustrating History” exhibition will offer a visual and informative journey back to the region’s mediaeval past and ancient societies through 11 thematic stations, with a special focus on understanding the historical relevance of pilgrimages and the heritage of the surrounding environment and its current cultural framework. On Saturday afternoon (24 February), the parade will involve 600 representatives of the Union of Moors and Christians Festive Entities (UNDEF).
Tickets for the various activities can be purchased at medievalada.com.
If you are planning to attend the Medievalada festival and would like to hire a car to travel to Caravaca de la Cruz – a convenient one-hour drive from Corvera Airport Murcia – you will find the best deals here.