Montblanc, in the Conca de Barberà region, concluded its 39th Medieval Week with an "exceptional" public reception, according to organisers. The event, which revives the legend of Sant Jordi, sold out all tickets for its paid spectacles during the final weekend, drawing large crowds to the town.
More than 7,600 tickets were sold for various shows, prompting the Associació Medieval de la Llegenda de Sant Jordi to praise the public's engagement. "Each year we invest more in our own creations, which helps the people who create the event invite those around them to participate. This is the direction we are heading," said Maties Martí, president of the association.
Community Involvement and New Attractions
Over 1,200 local residents actively participated in the event, which featured more than 90 activities, including new shows and small-format performances. Among the popular attractions were the 'Campament de poble' by local theatre group Grup Fila Zero, the 'Jocs Nazarins', and 'Els Escacs'. New additions included the 'Cicle Colloquia Draconnis', which linked the legend with academic knowledge through the URV, and a medieval music concert as part of the Jordi Savall Festival.
While the association does not count the total number of visitors to the town, the significant ticket sales and sold-out signs for all paid shows on Saturday and Sunday highlight the event's popularity. Organisers have long promoted activities spread across the town to encourage visitors to explore beyond the main street. "We believe this is working, and we will continue to work daily to achieve this, so that people do not just circulate along Carrer Major, but move through the different streets of the town," Martí told ACN.
Local Pride and Future Plans
The large influx of people is a key consideration for the future. "There are more and more people, and the festival is getting very big. I suppose everything will go well, I believe the people of the town will ensure it continues, because we love the festival," stated Marta Folch, one of the 1,200 Montblanc residents who dressed up to take part in Medieval Week. Belén González, another long-time participant, echoed this sentiment, saying, "We have experienced it since we were very young, it makes us very happy, it is a source of pride to be able to participate, we get emotional and get goosebumps."
Local carpenter Marcos Pizarro saw the festival as an opportunity to demonstrate his craft to younger generations, using medieval tools. Pizarro, a resident of Albinyana, has been giving demonstrations near the Sant Jordi wall for over ten years.
Next year, Montblanc's Medieval Week will celebrate its 40th anniversary. While details for the upcoming edition are still pending, the organisation is looking towards a European route and the European assembly that Montblanc will host.
