64th Hita Medieval Festival

The Hita Medieval Festival Celebrates Its 64th Edition with Rafael Álvarez “El Brujo” as the Star Attraction

On July 3, 4, and 5, Hita will celebrate the 64th edition of its Medieval Festival, one of Spain’s longest-running cultural events. For three days, the town will once again be transformed into a grand medieval stage featuring theater, music, parades, tournaments, dance, heritage tours, and activities for all ages.

Hita’s historic center will be decked out once again to welcome residents and visitors with a program featuring more than thirty performances. Among the planned activities are musical performances, concerts, combat workshops, dances, carnival parades, traditional costumes, and free tours of wineries, wine cellars, and the Church of San Juan Bautista; it will also feature the 2nd Annual Arcipreste de Hita Medieval Gathering; in collaboration with the Archpriest Chair, where studies on *The Book of Good Love* and its context will be shared.

The program will begin on Friday, July 3, with the opening of the exhibition “Women and Community: Being a Woman at the End of the Middle Ages” at the Archpriest’s House Museum and the opening of the Market at the Puerta de Caballos. At 9:30 p.m., the Veneranda Dies Ensemble, with a special guest appearance by Manuel Galiana, will present the concert *The King’s Troubadours*. The first day will conclude around midnight with a fire show by Crispín d’Olot in the Plaza del Arcipreste.

Saturday, July 4, will feature some of the festival’s most iconic moments. The day’s events will include the reenactment of “The Wedding of Don Melón and Doña Endrina” and “The Battle of Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma,” scenes inspired by *El Libro de Buen Amor* and starring local residents.

That same day, the Black Knight will return to the Palenque de Hita to reclaim his throne in one of the most anticipated events on the program. At 7:30 p.m., a tournament will take place featuring chivalric exercises and games, such as the estafermo, ring toss, and javelin throwing. The day will culminate at 11:59 p.m. with a spectacular medieval battle on foot and on horseback.

One of the major highlights of this year’s festival will also take place on Saturday at 10:00 p.m. at the Ruins of the Church of San Pedro, where Rafael Álvarez “El Brujo” will direct and star in a performance of *El Lazarillo de Tormes*. His presence reinforces the theatrical and cultural character of a festival deeply rooted in Spanish medieval literature.

On Sunday, July 5, the music of dulzainas, new combat and dance performances, and the Tales of the 1,001 Nights will bring the three-day celebration of heritage, tradition, and popular culture to a close.

The Hita Medieval Festival, designated a Festival of National Tourist Interest and an Asset of Cultural Interest, was founded in 1961 by Professor Manuel Criado de Val. Since then, it has established itself as a pioneering festival in Spain, closely linked to the universal figure of Juan Ruiz, Archpriest of Hita, and his work *El Libro de Buen Amor*.

With this new edition, Hita reaffirms its commitment to promoting its historical, literary, and cultural heritage, inviting the public to enjoy a unique experience in one of the most representative medieval settings in Castilla-La Mancha.