Trobades Médiévales de Perpignan

Medieval fun in and around Perpignan

Great fun for all the family, this medieval weekend takes us back in time to the days of the kings of Majorque. Lively and colourful, with a careful reconstitution of the affluent and long ago times.

From 1276 to 1344, the city of Perpignan enjoyed considerable economic and population growth. Hardly surprising considering that it was the continental capital of the Kingdom of Majorca, whose king, Jacques II, was also Count of Roussillon and Cerdanya de Confluent and Lord of Montpellier.

The royal palace dates from the thirteenth and fourteenth century. The town hall and the cathedral were begun in the fourteenth century.

The ‘Trobades Médiévales’ organized by the Tourist Office invite you on a journey of discovery –  epic fights, feasting, jousting, ancient craft….

Look out too for initiations in medieval dancing, archery demonstrations, strategy games, music, shows, processions, historical re-enactments and a Medieval market.

The first festival of its kind was originally created in October 1991 by Eliane Thibaut-Comelade in front of the Chapelle Saint – Dominique. The medieval market was intended to be a ‘taster’ for the medieval supper which was to take place inside the chapel.

The aim of this supper was to present to the town of Perpignan the many events being put on to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the writing of the medieval epic romance « Tirant lo Blanc », (the White Knight) written by Valencian knight Joanot Martorell in 1490, and said to be one of the most important books of Valencian literature.

« Tirant lo Blanc » is  the name of the main character of the Medieval romance and is considered to have been a major influence for Don Quixote writer, Miguel de Cervantes a century later.

Synopsis:
A medieval knight from Brittany, Tirant travels across Europe in his quest for adventure. When the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire asks for his help  against the Ottoman Turks,  Tirant is made  captain of the army and saves the Empire from destruction. He dies just before he is able to marry the heiress to the Empire.

The Spanish film, Tirant lo Blanc,  based on the later part of the book, was released in early 2006.