A lighter side of the dark ages

The Silent City will tap into its medieval roots next weekend, as the Medieval Mdina Festival gets underway next weekend between 10:00 and 17:30. The festival focuses on re-enactments, pageantry and floral displays. Activities also include a medieval street market, jousting, a display of birds of prey, as well as medieval games for everyone, with entrance fees to all the city’s museums and attractions being reduced.

The annual event – held the third consecutive year running, and aiming to emphasise Mdina’s medieval heritage to both locals and foreigners –  will incorporate both local and foreign talent.

“The city itself is made for an event like this… it’s architecture calls for it,” Paul Spiteri, Executive Secretary for the Mdina Local Council, said.

Some of the piazzas and main streets will be decorated with flower arrangements and plants with flowers will be placed in open balconies. The walls of the bridge of Vilhena Gate will be dressed with flowers and bay leaf decorations will grace the main gate and pedestals both outside the gate as well as in St Publius’ Square.

Some of the chapels will also be decorated with flowers. Plant pots will be placed along main areas and two garden shops will display their products in St Paul’s Square and Bastions Square.

All flowers to be used in the festival are locally grown and two garden shops will be responsible for the city’s transformation.
Activities will include jousting tournaments, displays of birds of prey, medieval football competitions and human chess challenges.
Medieval knights, medieval interactive games, colourful characters, demonstrations on the use of medieval weaponry and armour will liven the streets, together with displays of costumes, a falconry demonstration, exhibitions and artists at work.

Traditional medieval food will be available in the ditch area and in most of the catering establishments in the city. An abundance of wine will be available in stalls around the city.

Full list of activities
Balestrieri from San Marino, Sbandieratori from San MArino, Show of Arms reenactment group from Malta, Knights of Redemption from Ireland, Black Company – Knights in armour from UK, German Medieval Music Group, Giullare from Italy, Folklore group fro Reggio Calabria Italy,  JRGM – reenactors from Malta, magicians, human chess by Safi Chess Academy,  birds of prey, illusionists, exhibitions, lectures from distinguished guest, medieval market, and medieval food and wine bar. Museums and attractions in Mdina will be open with  reduced  rates  and extended hours. Two musical concerts will be held at the Carmelite Church with the participation of Sine Macula Choir and Rosabelle Bianchi.

For more information log on to: http://www.medievalmdina.eu/home.php