This year the medieval market of Alcalá del Júcar, which is traditionally held at Easter, had to be postponed due to bad weather and the weekend of 3, 4 and 5 May has been chosen as the new date, coinciding with the Spanish Mother’s Day. A large influx of people is expected, because this charming village is a favourite destination with people from Madrid who take a long weekend at this time, the 1st and 2nd of May being bank holidays there.
Alcalá is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain, where you can visit the castle and caves, stroll along the Roman bridge, the freshwater beach and waterfalls, participate in water activities and eat well in a multitude of restaurants. On the first weekend of May the Medieval Market is added to all this, which is famous for offering authentic arts and crafts in all its stalls. For your stay you have a wide choice of accommodation, from a simple B&B to a 5 star resort.
You will find the Market at the bottom of the village, next to the Roman bridge that crosses the Júcar river. There will be a wide choice of arts and crafts: ceramics; jewelry made with silver, nickel, sea shells, macramé, natural flowers, wood or glass; wooden toys and puppets; beautiful woodwork, lamps made of pumpkins, metal sculptures and much more. Several artisans will be working at their stalls. Younger visitors will enjoy the soap bubble shows, the board games and the craft workshops offered by some artisans.
Three minstrels will create a lively and merry atmosphere, and you might come across a dancing bear (relax: not a real one!), a jester or stilt walker and the juggler will put the finishing touch to each of the three days with his fire show.
As in previous years the artisans association Amata will be in charge of organising the market, so you can be sure of finding only original craft work 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 artist: a good opportunity to get, and even order, original and bespoke presents for Mother’s Day.
Due to last year’s success, a contest is once again being organised 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 Friday, the 3rd of May at 5 pm; opening times on Saturday the 4th and Sunday 5th of May 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.
