Medieval Festivals & Mead
When you want to transport yourself back in time … And drink Mead like a Viking.
The Society for Creative Anachronism was my entre into the Medieval world. I found it at the end of a mead recipe search on the computer. They are held all over the world and there is likely a chapter near you that you are unaware of. The above link will allow you to search for a branch in your area.
The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is an inclusive community pursuing research and re-creation of pre-seventeenth century skills, arts, combat and culture. The lives of participants are enriched as we gain knowledge of history through activities, demonstrations, and events. And Mead, is one such art that they keep alive.
During the Middle Ages, Medieval fairs were mostly held for economic reasons as it was a main way of trading goods. Shops and stalls selling clothing, candles, soaps, jewelry, artwork, weapons, ceramics, leather goods, books, and much more were erected and a good source of employment for people at the time. Goods included handicrafts, perfumes, lovely wood carvings, furs and delicious fruits of different kinds which were brought from different countries. There things were considered foreign luxuries and were mostly bought by rich people.
Today, people gather for similar reasons and the villages erected transport you back in time. Some folks take the “game” very seriously and you will think you literally have been transported to another time. If the very idea of going to a Renaissance fair makes you uneasy, read on. For those of you who have never considered going, or have been hesitant to go to a Renaissance fair, this is for you.
You may want to avoid the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) as a point of entry to this exciting world of reenactment unless you make contact with them first. These are events where people pride themselves on their ability to live (in deep character) as they might have in the mid-1600s. These events can be a blast, but they aren’t for the casual fairgoer. You want to find a community fair first, and then go from there.
Almost all Renaissance fairs will have a broad spectrum of things to do and see. Hatchet-throwing, fire-eating, and even jousting aren’t uncommon. Usually several men (and women) in full armour will ride full force at one another with long wooden lances. The lances are up to safety code and designed to break without doing too much damage to the riders, but it is still an amazing thing to watch.
If you enjoy eating turkey legs at the country fair or baby back ribs during the holidays, then you have to go to aRenaissance fair. If you haven’t tasted a traditional honey spice recipe for mutton, then you haven’t lived. With the popularity of home brew these days, too, you are likely to encounter a wide variety of homemade hard ciders and meads (wine made from fermented honey).
It is surprising how much you can learn at one of these things. There is no end to the volunteers who are wiling to teach you a new skill, be it blacksmithing, weaving, belly dancing, or archery. You can pick up a few tips or just shop for supplies. A really good Renaissance fair will have several stations where you can learn about life in the Middle Ages. Watch how traditional arrows were made by hand or learn about how armor is made while a blacksmith manipulates a piece of iron in front of you. Everyone is happy to talk to you about what they are doing, and it is a very welcoming environment. Kids in particular can have a great day at a Ren fair.
I know it sounds crazy, but you can get amazing things at a Renaissance fair. People will sell their wares—everything from local honey to hand-spun fabric and functional armour and swords—in canvas tents. You can also find a nice collection of paper and leather products as well as historical knickknacks. If you are really looking for that special Christmas gift, or if your local farmers market just hasn’t been enough for you lately, consider taking a day and checking out what the fair has to offer.
No matter why you go, trust me, it will be so much more fun than you are expecting. Let your guard down a little and explore some new boundaries right in your own backyard.
Good Knights Entertainment Right here in Alberta is a glamping opportunity beyond compare. It is where Kristeva & Eric got married and thus has been test-driven and is highly recommended. They have a village of Medieval Tents set up for you to stay in complete with four poster beds and period furniture for your comfort. Complete with showers and facilities. They will cook a Medieval feast for guests on Saturday nights. They have costumes for everyone. And teach a variety of Medieval skills like leathermaking, sword fighting, and archery. They even have a fully operational trebuchet that gets loaded with water balloons for hot day fun!
List of Renaisance Faires Canada
List of Medieval Festivals around the world.
