Orihuela Medieval Market 2017

---

Thought we hadn't been to enough of Spains wonderful feastivals and Markets in our area. So googled the best markest to see in Spain and up came Orihuela Medieval Market, never heard of it, but less than 2 hours away. Perfect!

So on to find a place to stay , close by, takes dogs and has parking. Not alot of choice. So found a hostal to stay in, booked , done! (Talk about that choice later).

The Medieval Market is help from Friday night to Sunday on the first weekend in February( unless they move the date), as it is Spain and nothing is set in gold. Easy less than 2 hours up the highway to Orihuela, easy to find, nice size city and found our hostal without a problem. Easy street parking ( until we found out there is another market on in the morning). So moved the care to around the block.

Walking toward where we thought the Market should be, a little walk about and finally ran into it, no signs posted for us tourist to the area just have to happen upon it. Good to see that we did book the hotel, as that street is blocked off and that's where the Market begins. And what a Market it was!

All of the residents fall into the past with Medieval dress, where you can see bread baked in large Spanish ovens,dishes made out of clay, glasses blowers creating beautiful objects before your eyes. Witches, street entertainers and musicians wonder the streets.

What I will say is it is a meat lovers dream come true, meats being cooked every where on large grills over charcoal fires, prepared according to old world ways, hams,sausages, ribs,small pigglets and potatoes and rice in large pans. Cheeses on display, Spanish honey, spices , herbs and spices for sale. You could find soaps, creans, traditional sweets, incense, oils, and shoppers galor.

For kids, lots of fun without computers or gameboys in sight, old fashioned games of wood, carocusel, swings, donkey and camel rides to keep them entertained, looked like they were enjoying it all.

There were displays of weapons ,swords,daggers, shields and other beautiful bladed weapons.

Although there was suppose to have two distinct areas; the Arab or Moorish Zone and the Christian Zone we found it hard to tell the difference. But thoroughly enjoyed our day there, wondering the streets and stalls. Note to self, DO NOT take the dog again , although there were lots, a little busy for him.

Back to the Hostel, to leave the dog, and return for the evening lights and show. Now the Hostel it's self, convient yes, easy to find? again yes. Would I stay there next time no! My advice for people visiting for the first time, park on the other side of the bridge from the old section( where we did, by the hostel) BUT then stay at the 4 star hotel right in the middle of things. Looked lovely, not too expensive. Does NOT take dogs. Planning for next year.

Enjoy the photos below.

---