Jumat, 26 Agustus 2011

Medieval Days And Knights In Portugal




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Throughout August Bank Holiday weekend, the castle at Castro Marim on the Algarve, Portugal, returns to the medieval ages, recreating all the pomp and circumstance of that era in a spectacular four-day festival.


Although it's only 40 miles from Faro airport, Castro Marim is regarded as off the beaten tourist track. Overlooked by the impressive historic Castle, the town of Castro Marim was originally founded by the Romans as a seaport. Even so, it is now some three miles from the coast and the land in between now largely features a salt marsh nature reserve. The historic castle, where most of the festival takes location, stands above the tranquil, whitewashed town and is a memorable place to pay a visit to - either to watch the festival or as part of a longer break in Portugal.


The Feira Medieval de Castro Marim starts with a fanciful parade by means of the streets led by the king and queen, who are accompanied by their colourful Court consisting of noblemen, ladies, musicians, stilt-walkers, jesters and a handful of knights in shining armour. Once the noisy procession is total the enjoyable begins, featuring jousting tournaments and street theatre performances based loosely on the medieval ages. You have to hand it to the locals: dressing up in full armour at the height of summer takes some resilience and pluck! The show that they put on is genuinely memorable and they like to contain visitors in the proceedings so if you attend watch out, you might possibly effectively turn into part of the show!


As with most of the Algarve, there are a lot of quality fish restaurants in Castro Marim and many friendly bars, making it a terrific location to take a look at if you wish to chill out. The residents are extremely friendly and welcoming and you will revel in their hospitality. But, if you fancy combining your festival encounter with a few days lazing on the beach, you’d be superior off travelling to one of the Algarve’s better-recognized resorts, such as Albufeira or Villanova further west. You may possibly even wish to drive farther afield and take in the historic capital of Lisbon, further up the northern coast of Portugal.


Thankfully, affordable is plentiful and easy to organise quite a few car rental organizations will let you choose up your auto at Faro airport when you arrive, from where the Algarve is your oyster. Indeed, car rental in Portugal is even even more critical if you are organising your own holiday break, as you won’t want to rely on public transport. It can be hit or miss on the Algarve and the freedom to travel wherever you want if quite essential in a nation that has so considerably to offer.

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