For three days, Besalú will relive the atmosphere of the ancient county with a program featuring equestrian jousts, street performances, music, crafts, and family activities. Its proximity to Alt Empordà, about 25 kilometers from Figueres, makes it an accessible getaway for a day or a weekend.
The festival utilizes the incomparable setting of the town's historic-artistic complex, declared a national monument in 1966. The Romanesque bridge, Sant Pere monastery, Sant Vicenç church, and the Jewish quarter will serve as stages for the reenactments. The medieval market will be set up in Prat de Sant Pere, craft demonstrations will take place in the courtyard of Casa Cornellà, and Plaça dels Claustres will host the Taverna del Seny.
The opening day, Friday, August 28, begins at 8 PM with the festival's presentation, featuring the participation of Gruppo Alfieri e Musici Storici di Servigliano (Italy). Flag parades, music, and drums will liven up the streets, followed by Carrer dels Atrapats, a nighttime event running until the early morning hours.
Saturday, August 29, will be the busiest day. The medieval market, craft demonstrations, and the tavern will be open all day. The official inauguration at 10:30 AM will kick off a series of parades, dance, circus acts, theater, and combat reenactments. Guided and theatrical tours, such as the "Shalom, Shalom" route focusing on the Jewish heritage, will be interspersed with conferences and the anticipated fire shows.
On Sunday, August 30, the program will continue with the market, workshops, and the tavern. The Count Tallaferro Tournament jousts, performed by Excalibur, will be repeated under the bridge. The day will include more theatrical tours, music, and itinerant performances featuring artists like Taraska, La Fada Verda, and Toniton, with the final acts starting at 8 PM.
Organizers have arranged several parking areas and information points, as well as a "Punt Lila" (safe space) in Plaça de la Llibertat. The program's layout allows visitors to combine activities with a tour of the town's heritage, making Besalú Medieval a complete cultural getaway.
