FIRST MEDIEVAL MARKET IN ZURGENA

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Zurgena is a small village in the province of Almería, not far from Puerto Lumbreras, that is worth visiting, especially in the weekend of 13, 14 and 15 December, when a lively Medieval Market will be held in the pictoresque square Plaza del Olmo. Between 30 and 40 stalls are expected and a score of medieval characters will create an authentic atmosphere.

This is the first time that Zurgena will play host to a Medieval Market. It is organised by Amata, a craft association that only admits original craft work (no imported goods, nothing bought from the wholesalers) and thus guarantees a good opportunity to buy something different as a Christmas present. There will be more than 30 stalls displaying a goodly variety of hand made goods such as ceramics, silver and enamel jewelry, carved and turned wood, soaps and perfumes, dolls and wooden toys and many others. To sustain the visitor there will be a medieval tavern and an Arab tea tent, as well as stalls with sausages, bread and preserved fruit prepared using traditional recipes

Musicians, beggars, stilt walkers, soldiers, courtiers and pages pass along the streets to make for a lively atmosphere, and the juggler also gives a fire show in the evening. For the children there are some workshops, several table games and an old fashioned merry-go-round.

The market is open on Friday (yes, the 13th!) from 6 till 9 or 10 pm, and on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 pm to 9 pm or later. For more information (also in English) ring 639 979 678 or look at www.amata.es for photographs of other markets organised by Amata.