If you still don’t have a destination for Easter, a good option would be to visit Alcalá del Júcar, one of the most beautiful villages of Spain. Because then you can not only visit the castle and the caves, walk along the freshwater beach, see the waterfalls and participate in many out door activities, but there will also be the traditional Medieval Market that is famous for offering authentic craftsmanship in all its stalls. For your stay you can choose from a large selection of restaurants and accommodation.
You will find the Market at the foot of the village, next to the Roman bridge that crosses the Júcar river. There will be a wide choice of craftwork: ceramics, jewelry made with silver, nickel, sea shells, macramé, dried flowers, wood or glass; wooden toys and puppets, marquetry, pumpkin lamps, metal sculptures and much more. Several artisans will be working at their stalls. The little ones will enjoy the soap bubble shows, playing board games or in the craft workshops offered by some artisans.
Three troubadours will create a lively and authentic atmosphere, and you can find a dancing bear (not a real one!), a charlatan or stilt walker and the final touch will be the juggler with his fire show at night.
For yet another year, craft association Amata will be in charge of organizing the market, guaranteeing a special event because of the original craft work that you will find in each stall. Amata strives to promote and value authentic craftsmanship, creating places where artisans can sell their own work. This way you can find unique and original pieces, since you buy directly from the author.
Due to last year’s success, a contest is once again organized for unique pieces made by the artisans who participate in the market and they invite you to vote for the piece that you think is the most beautiful or the most original. The market starts on Thursday, the 28th of March at 5 pm; opening times on Friday, the 29th, Saturday the 30st and Sunday the 31st of March will be from 11 am till 2 pm and from 5 till 10 pm or later. The programme and photos from last year are at https://www.puebloartesano.es/alcaladeljucar.
For information about accommodation or sports activities, such as rafting, canoeing, climbing, horseback riding or guided tours and routes, you can call the tourist office at 967 473 090.
