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Setmana Medieval de la Llegenda de Sant Jordi

Població: Montblanc (La Conca de Barberà)
Dates: 18-04-2008 / 27-04-2008
Època: Edat Mitjana
Pàgina web: http://www.setmanamedieval.org

The town of Montblanc originated in February 1163, when King Alfons I compelled inhabitants of a small village in the confluence of rivers Anguera and Francolí to move to the town's current location in order to set up a strong post halfway between the cities of Lleida and Tarragona. The town grew fast thanks receiving royal privileges and concessions for markets and livestock fairs. The importance of Montblanc in the history of Catalonia is unquestionable and several Catalan Royal Courts established there in XIV and XV centuries. Montblanc was appointed Ducal Town in 1387 by another king (Joan I) wishing to dignify his brother Martí who held an inferior title to that of king but superior to other noblemen.

 

Montblanc Medieval Week is one of the most veteran historical festivals in Catalonia, reaching its twentieth edition in 2007. It holds a Golden Medal award given by the Catalonia Research and Medieval Documentation Center (CIDOMCAT). The festival is also considered "of touristic interest" by the Catalan Government -Generalitat de Catalunya.

 

The "Week" lasts for 10 days, starting off with a medieval dinner and finishing with a farewell lunch. Apart from ancient professions displays, the presence of street musicians and minstrels and other characters found in a medieval market, shows of remarkable historical rigour are also performed.

 

The 2007 edition welcomed British group The Warmick Courtiers, one of the best performers of medieval England music and dances.

 

Also, short street theatre shows are performed.  One such show is "Judgement to a knight", inspired in real texts from the period, which enacts the trial to a Court knight for maintaining relations with several ladies. Another show is "Les Homilies d'en Bertran", an ironic text about a priest in search of Christian believers wishing to recover Holly Land from Muslim hands. The central show of the Week is the staging of Saint George's Legend by the impressive town walls.

 

Every year a medieval camp with a School for Knights is set up. There, the 4 noble families of Montblanc can be seen: Alenyà, Gené, Vilafranca and the Royal House. In this camp, visitors will find several workshops related to weaponry, such as arrow shooting or knights fights and tournaments, devised for adults and children alike. Professional actors devoted to the world of re-enactment perform the tournament. A magnificent show is guaranteed.

 

Most performances and shows take place the first and last weekend of the Week, while "working" days are devoted to talks and lectures about medieval matters.