 The
story began two years ago when two men, Dr. Sergio Rendón
and Ing. Juan José Prado y Viramontes, realized they both
shared more than just a passing interest in the medieval era. Together,
they formed the Cofradía Medieval (Medieval Confraternity),
an organization that among its lofty goals includes: the diffusion
and increase in cultural activities that foment awareness and higher
thinking; the appreciation of literature and visual and performing
arts; and the documentation of human activities throughout history;
and beer. They focused their efforts on the mission of creating
an event that by its own characteristics would respect all of these
ideals.
And hence, the first Medieval (and Beer!) Festival was born.
Guanajuato would be chosen as the host city, because of all Mexican
cities, it lends itself most to the Medieval Age, which never actually
occurred in Mexico. However, during the time of the Hispano-American
conquest, Spanish Conquistadors were still using Medieval Armor
and cavalry, still dealing with the consequences of the land and
era they had left behind. Guanajuato is also the capital of the
Cervantino, a celebration of theater, art and literature from a
bygone era, which is encapsulated in the world’s first modern
novel, Don Quixote, by Don Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra. Guanajuato
also celebrates the tradition of the troubadours, Medieval-inspired
troupes, which still march and sing through its cavernous streets.
And Guanajuato loves beer.
 The
festival inaugurated on the 30th of March and lasted until the 3rd
of April. The week’s program included an inauguration ceremony,
parades of the Holy Inquisition, a nighttime open-air screening
of the John Boorman classic “Excalibur” (1981), a Medieval
Mass, the adoration of the Queen (played by actress Gabriela Goldsmith)
and a medieval banquet. An entire Medieval Village was raised next
to La Mina de Rayas where there was sword fighting, jousting, spearing,
mounted charges, archery and tug-of-war competitions. There were
skirmishes between rival clans, “The MacClouds” (Scottish
Highlanders) vs. “The Loose Confederation of Lost Knights”
(English or French Wankers).
There was a medieval inter-species wedding between She-Elf and Man.
There was a “get tortured and take your picture for a peso”
stand. And there was a massive debauchery competition—which
was of course won by the Mexicans. Banquets were set up that were
fit for a king—definitely not for a pauper! And good imported
beer (mostly German) characteristic of the era was sold and consumed
heavily.
Overall, judging by the amount of people that participated and the
audience response, the festival was an enormous success and we hope
to see it back here again next year, for Part II: The Quickening
http://www.festivalmedieval.3a2.com/
 
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