Pipes, drums and bells...

Photo: L. Wilger

We're back after a pause from the blog! This weekend it was the first Medieval Market at Koldinghus, and it was great. There is just no better place to host such an event. And we sang and played medieval songs as we haven't done in a long time. It has been two very intense days, and it's incredible I'm awake enough to write...

The main attraction was the Medieval fighting tournament going on outside the castle, which was really intense and sometimes a bit ugly to see. You couldn't see any rules, really, they were just smashing into each other - but no one got hurt very badly (I hope - I heard about a tooth...) With 35 kg of armour it must be really tough going - there was even a woman in the fighting!
In the castle yard there were different stalls, shops and workshops. There was a blacksmith, who was really nice, (because he liked our music, haha) and the Caramel Master's shop. Did you know marshmallows were truly medieval? We didn't, but apparently they used some juice from a flower,  Althaea officinalis, which has the same effect as gelatine. 
Giuly had got the bagpipe out again, so we did some pieces with two bagpipes - a lot of noise, but lots of fun! And we had both concerts and workshops with juggling and dancing for children and grown-ups. We ended up with a lot of songs about silvery elves, stout kings, clever peasants, pious psalms to Our Lady, and many more. Giuly has also learned a lot of contact juggling - it's almost magical what she can do with that orange ball!

We weren't the only ones with the music: Almune, Moro and Virelai were also there, and Maximus Heraticus, the jester/juggler and we took turns. We know them a little from previous Medieval markets and it was great to see and hear them again - they're really good and inspiring!
It's always great to be at a Medieval Market, and this one was exceptionally good. The weather was great (especially today), there were lots of people, and the atmosphere was splendid. It's been a great weekend, and we hope that there will be many future Medieval markets at Koldinghus!