The little Calabrian town Santa Severina, near Crotone will celebrate the 9th edition of the Medieval Festival on May Day.
Street artists, music, flag-wavers and falcons
This year’s theme is the Aragonese era, with a historical re-enactment dedicated to Alfonso V of Aragon that takes visitors back in time. Throughout the day, the village will come alive with a medieval atmosphere, street artists, musicians, jesters, flag-wavers and with duels, encampments and falconry demonstrations.
May Day parades and entertainment
Along the torch-lit alleyways food and wine stalls will welcome visitors with traditional flavours, and the evening will conclude with the Archibugieri parade and light displays on the Castle, followed by a packed programme of entertainment continuing late into the night. Following the event presentation on the morning of 1 May, the historical procession will set off from the Norman Castle at 11.00 am. Today the castle is a museum with underground labyrinths, stables, halls, frescoes and Baroque paintings by Francesco Giordano.
Santa Severina is one of "Italy’s Borghi piu Belli"
The procession’s route will end in the town’s main square, which will host medieval performances, continuing after lunch together with a traditional travelling show. In the afternoon, the historical re-enactment will take place with the arrival of the king, followed by further performances and, after the grand finale, the evening will feature music, fire displays and shows. Situated between the Ionian Sea and the Sila mountains, atop a cliff overlooking a vast valley, Santa Severina is one of "Italy’s Borghi piu Belli" most beautiful villages not far from Crotone. An ancient colony of Magna Graecia, this little Calabrian town combines historical heritage with a seaside resort atmosphere and can boast the striking Castle of Charles V and the nearby Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area.
