European Medieval Festival 2012

During the last weekend in August, the streets of Horsens are filled with sounds of cheerful buskers, snaps from crossbows, and merry medieval music, when the European Medieval Festival 2012 conquers the streets along with its 100.000 visitors from around the world.

Church bells, letters of indulgence and the sound of the church choir – faith in God and fear of the Devil. This year, the Medieval Festival focuses on Churches, Convents and Christianity in the Middle Ages.

Throughout the festival, there will be Gregorian song and religious processions, in which monks show off valuable relics and artifacts. Carpenters build a timber framed church tower, while the bell founder transform 25 kg hot liquid ore into a church bell.

At the market the blacksmith is standing in a shower of sparks while hardening the edge of his new sword. The swordsman is polishing his armor, getting ready for the upcoming battle. Meanwhile, the cobbler is stitching up a pair of shoes and the dressmaker is putting the finishing
touches on a beautiful dress for a noble lady. 5000 professionals and volunteers, dressed in medieval outfits, make the experience of being in the Middle Ages feel real.

A feast is set with sumptuous dishes, and the food stalls tempt the hungry with smoked haunch of venison, steamed clams, sourdough bread and apple pie served on cabbage leaves. Thirst is quenched in mead, beer and seasonal fruit juice.

When darkness falls, the watchman lights hundreds of torches, and a pleasant light spreads, in stalls and streets, from candles and bonfires.

The European Medieval Festival will be held the 24th and 25th of August 2012, in the center of Horsens.

Opening hours are: Friday the 24th, from 4pm to 11pm, Saturday the 25th from 10am to 11pm.

Entry to the festival is free of charge.

For more information visit www.middelalderfestival.dk and follow us on Facebook.

24 hours in Horsens
If you want to experince something else than the Medieval Festival you can find inspiration in the article "24 hours in Horsens" - which gives exciting tips to anything from outdoor activities to cultural experiences in and around Horsens.