In the first week of September every year, the town of Pontevedra turns back the clock 500 years to celebrate their medieval festival, the Feira Franca.
Feira Franca can be traced back to the year 1467, when King Henry IV bestowed upon Pontevedra the right to hold a tax free open market for one month, from the last two weeks of August to the first two weeks of September.
Tax-free trade for a whole month was certainly a strong reason for the wealthy merchants of the time to celebrate. They held a huge festival beginning Friday morning and ending on Saturday night.
With locals and visitors alike competing, as they dress up as medieval citizens or don local costumes, the modern-day Feira Franca is a colourful affair.
Wander around the town and you will see Bagpipe player, the Gaita is the national musical instrument of Galicia, on many street corners, as well as dance groups and other musicians.
Let´s not forget the food – you´ll have the opportunity to sample the delights of Galician cuisine at the many food stalls set up to serve the festival and even participate in a medieval feast.
The highlight of the festival is the medieval tournament; jostling knights do battle in the Plaza de Toros (bull ring) on Saturday evening of every festival.
If you are walking the Camino during the first week of September, enjoy medieval autumn at the Feira Franca.
If you plan to walk the Camino de Santiago and need a little helping hand preparing for your journey, why not let me take care of the mundane, leaving you to enjoy the magic? I offer Camino Itinerary Planning on all Camino de Santiago routes.
If you plan to walk the Camino de Santiago, check out my book, A Wild Woman’s Guide To The Camino de Santiago. I share everything you need to know before you begin your Camino. Read at A Wild Woman’s Guide To The Camino De Santiago or click the link below.
(c) Samantha Wilson 2019. All Rights Reserved.
