Vilafamés Turns Its Medieval History into a Major Attraction

Vilafamés has experienced an intense weekend of culture and history with the celebration of the II Trobada Internacional d’Ordes Militars Medievals. The event brought together a large number of visitors, to the point that the designated parking areas reached full capacity, during days also marked by public participation, demonstrations, and an interest in learning about local history through hands-on experience.

The trobada, organized by AUR-Art in conjunction with the Regidoria de Cultura de l’Ajuntament, brought together historical reenactment groups from different origins, with a program that combined outreach, demonstrations, and participatory activities.

One of the most notable moments was the dramatized reenactment "1319. Vilafamés y el Hospital de Montesa," which took place in the plaza de la Iglesia parroquial. The performance allowed the public to get closer to a fundamental episode in local history, linked to the transition from the Order of the Hospital to the Order of Montesa, through a proposal that combines interpretation, outreach, and heritage.

The initiative went beyond mere atmosphere: it sought to fill capacity for the various activities, to the point that sessions had to be extended. Addressing the relationship between the Order of the Temple and the Order of Montesa, this event, led by the Asociación AUR-Art, explored topics such as the connection between the Templars and the Order of Montesa, the coat of arms of the Order of Montesa, hospital activity, medieval piracy and privateering, and the history of the orders in the Mediterranean.

Participating entities

The program featured the participation of Medievalis, Ave de Luna, Militia Regis, and Calatravos de Alcázar, among other participants linked to historical reenactment. Over the two days, visitors were able to explore the reenactment areas, observe the work of the groups, and discover different aspects of medieval life.

The theatrical performances and demonstrations of candle making, fire bows, combat, weaponry and military order exhibitions, as well as children's workshops and historical outreach proposals, were completed by specialists such as Paco Bellés, Ayo Peiró, Carlos Balaguer, Rubén Montañés, Santi Sales, Abel Soler, and Ali Brancal.

Explaining the context

The proposal goes beyond setting the scene: it seeks to explain the historical context of the events and maintain the participants' weaponry and attire until the end of their presentations, which filled the sessions to the point that activities had to be expanded.

The goal is to commit to bringing historical knowledge to the public in a rigorous, accessible, and participatory way.

In any case, the influx of visitors is clear proof of the medieval past experienced by Vilafamés, where AUR-Art has once again demonstrated its desire to disseminate and explain history through reenactment.

The value of heritage

Furthermore, through both proposals, Vilafamés has once again highlighted its heritage past and its historical connection with the Order of Montesa, using the streets and heritage spaces as a stage to bring history closer to the public.

The celebration of activities of this kind is a sign of the municipal interest in recovering and highlighting historical and cultural heritage, as well as offering educational proposals that are attractive to the public and allow local heritage to be shared with people of all ages and interests.