The city of Ripoll is preparing to host the 28th edition of the Mercadal del Comte Guifré, an event scheduled for August 9, 10, and 11, 2026. Three days dedicated to medieval history and tradition will fill the town center with stalls, shows, and various activities.
At the presentation, the Councilor for Commerce, Fairs, Markets, Tourism, Festivals, and Traditions, Xavier Formatger, and the head of the company UNiART Fires, Ricard Cuadrado, detailed that the market will place a strong emphasis on street entertainment, children's workshops, and exhibitions to offer a firsthand medieval experience.
Stalls will be located in key areas such as Sant Pere street, Sant Eudald square, Mossèn Cinto Verdaguer street, and Gran square. Abat Oliba square will host ecological children's attractions, while Llibertat square will offer giant wooden games. There will also be exhibitions of farm tools in Dama square, torture devices under the name "La Santa Inquisició" in Anselm Clavé and Tomàs Raguer squares, and medieval weaponry in Lira square.
As a novelty, a medieval passport will be introduced for children, who can earn a diploma of honor by completing four workshops. Each night will feature a fire and aerial dance show, and a music group from the Terres de l'Ebre will entertain the event. Additionally, every afternoon at 7:30 PM in Abat Oliba square, a historical reenactment show about the death of Count Guifré and the legend of the Four Bars will be performed.
The exhibition of ancient crafts will include a ceramist, a weaver, a medieval shoemaker, a blacksmith, and a medieval turner. Approximately 50 people will be involved in the organization and activities, in addition to the numerous stallholders.
The program includes daily activities such as musical parades by Lei Joglars de l’Ebre, children's workshops with Atanagrum, storytelling, puppet and itinerant shows, and the historical reenactment of Count Guifré's death. Each evening will feature fire and aerial dance performances.
