Throughout the weekend, the town's streets are filled with period melodies, artisan stalls, and merchants, aiming to transport visitors back to the Middle Ages. The celebration, now in its 25th year, expects to attract between 15,000 and 20,000 people.
The inaugural address, delivered by Guerau de Lledó, the last castellan of the Castell de Benedormiens, kicked off an event offering a varied program. This includes shows, a craft fair, and demonstrations of ancient trades such as blacksmithing, basket making, medieval beekeeping, blown glass, and dye production.
Established artisans, like Jose Luis Jiménez from Garrapinyades Can Faba, who has participated in fairs since 2007, highlight the "very intimate" character of the Castell d'Aro market. Others, such as Robert Borrisser from les Coques del Forn de Cabrianes, positively value the fair's history and its location in the old town, which they consider an "added value" for being a "very beautiful place".
Visitors also appreciate the atmosphere. Emma Melero, one of the attendees, notes that "everything is dressed in period costume" and that it allows for "strolling back in time," as well as purchasing "artisanal products like local cured meats and cheeses".
The family-friendly offering is one of the main attractions, with activities designed for children. Workshops on wax flowers and pendants, the "Little Builders" installation inspired by stonemasonry, and circus workshops allow children to discover medieval life in a participatory way.
The narrow, cobbled streets of the old town, along with the church and the Castell de Benedormiens (documented since 1041), serve as the backdrop for this historical reenactment. Music, craft and food stalls, shows, and costumed characters blend with the local heritage, turning the municipality into a "time machine".
