Festival of the Charter and Craft Fair

Every third weekend in July, the town of Sepúlveda dresses up to celebrate the Fiesta de los Fueros, bringing the atmosphere of a medieval market back to life and filling its streets with artisans, color, magic, fire, history, and festivities.

This event commemorates the charter granted to the town by Count Fernán González. During the two days of the festival, the large medieval market that takes over the plaza and surrounding streets—featuring nearly 50 artisans from all corners of Spain—also becomes the setting for numerous entertainment shows: music, theater, children’s activities… Various troupes bring the town to life and infuse it with a medieval atmosphere through their parades and performances throughout the day. For the little ones, a children’s area is set up in Plaza de Santiago with activities and attractions, and in the afternoon, they can enjoy a fun and entertaining storytelling session in Plaza de España.

The residents of Sepúlveda actively collaborate in organizing this festival. Their involvement is particularly notable in the theatrical performances that can be enjoyed on Saturday and Sunday afternoons at two spectacular venues: the Ecce Homo Arch and the Plaza de San Esteban.

Residents and visitors should recharge their energy at dinnertime. Numerous local restaurants and bars offer exquisite medieval menus, and starting at 10 p.m. at the Ecce Homo Arch, “El buen yantar” takes place: sandwiches and soft drinks at affordable prices.

The festival reaches its climax at dusk, when—following the ringing of “La Queda” at 10 p.m.—the torchbearers begin to light up the town’s streets with more than 500 torches. At midnight, in the Plaza de España, following the procession and ballad performed by the Knights Templar, the sound of drums will capture the attention of the crowd: the reading of the Charter begins. Next comes a magical moment, the “Music of the Torches,” featuring a concert of traditional music.