The Medieval Fair of the Passo Honroso
- When: 3rd-4th June 2018
- Where: Hospital de Órbigo, Spain
- Website: aytohospitaldeorbigo.es
The Passo Honroso Medieval Jousting Fair is a popular fiesta in Spain that takes place in Hospital de Órbigo, a town in León. This festival takes place the weekend of 3rd June and is inspired by the legend of Suero de Quiñones, who felt imprisoned by the love of a lady.
According to tradition, that was the reason he wore a ring around his neck and fasted every Thursday. However, he came up with a way to get rid of that commitment, by challenging all the knights who passed by the bridge at Órbigo to a jousting duel. In this way, and after breaking 166 jousting lances, his penalty was lifted by King John II of Spain.
For this reason, one of the most important events of this festival is a jousting tournament, where the knights on their trusty steeds enter into great battle, while the ladies perform medieval-style dances.
Hospital de Órbigo, an ancient pilgrim town
Hospital de Órbigo is a town in León, where many pilgrims pass by on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. One of the most interesting monuments in the municipality is, of course, the Passo Honroso Bridge, a 13th century medieval bridge over the Órbigo River.
The bridge, which has 19 arches, is still in good condition after 7 centuries. Over the years, it has been restored various times and has been a national monument since 1939. The bridge is located on an old Roman road from León to Astorga. For the most part, however, visitors come to Hospital de Órbigo for its famous tournament, which has been held every June since 1997.
What happens at the medieval festival
The feat carried out by Suero de Quiñones took place in 1434 and it was precisely in memory of his great deed that this festival of medieval jousts arose. The event has become a great tourist attraction, which is why it has been declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest.
When it is celebrated on the first weekend of June, the residents of Hospital de Órbigo put on medieval clothing and recreate typical 15th century scenes. The town swarms with knights armed with swords and shields, monks, peasants, waitresses, archers and maidens in beautiful velvet dresses. Aside from the jousting shows, there is a large medieval market in the main square and all kinds of games, medieval dances, falconry shows and much more.
On Saturday there is the so-called "Torchlight Procession" and a very special medieval dinner, where diners wear their period costumes. On the Sunday is when the popular medieval tournament is held, an exceptional display that’s like stepping back in time, all thanks to this awesome and authentic Spanish fiesta.
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