The Castillo de Santa Bárbara is stepping back in time once again as Alicante’s popular medieval market returns from 22 to 24 May, transforming the city’s famous hilltop fortress into a medieval world of music, crafts, food and entertainment.
The event has become one of Alicante’s most popular spring attractions, drawing more than 15,000 visitors last year and helping kick off the festive build-up to the Hogueras de San Juan celebrations in June.
For three days, the castle will be filled with medieval decoration, artisan stalls and live performances inspired by the Middle Ages. Visitors can expect wandering jesters, musicians, jugglers, knights, fauns and fire performers bringing the fortress to life throughout the weekend.
Opening times
- Friday 22 May: 10:00 to 00:00
- Saturday 23 May: 10:00 to 00:00
- Sunday 24 May: 10:00 to 23:00
What visitors can expect
The Patio de Armas will become a large medieval-style market packed with handmade goods and traditional products.
Among the stalls visitors will find:
- Handmade jewellery and accessories
- Candles, incense and natural oils
- Ceramics and decorative items
- Leather goods, hats and belts
- Rustic breads, cheeses and cured meats
- Honey, jams and local sweets
- Wines and traditional liqueurs
Throughout the castle there will also be live music played on historical instruments, theatre performances, circus acts, storytelling and demonstrations of traditional trades.
Families visiting with children will find plenty to enjoy too, including traditional games, workshops, small fairground rides and medieval-themed entertainment.
Fire shows and medieval atmosphere
Each evening will end with large fire performances inside the castle grounds, creating one of the most dramatic parts of the event.
Friday night’s main fire spectacle begins at 22:30, while Saturday’s programme includes another major nighttime performance featuring “gods of fire” and circus-style acts.
Sunday’s closing day focuses more on music, storytelling and fantasy characters, with the final performances continuing until 23:00.
