Mercato delle Gaite Medieval Event

A glimpse into the Middle Ages beyond the pageantry of a Palio can be enjoyed in Bevagna Umbria every June. The Mercato delle Gaite is an annual fair that returns the town to its origins as a marketplace for Umbria where goods were traded and sold.

Named for the four quarters of the town, the "gaite" derives either from "guardia" that in regional tones is pronounced "guaita" or a dialectal version of the word 'quartiere'. Either way, the event is resplendent with costumes and fanfare, but without the raucous horse race or crowds of other Medieval festivals. This one is unique and special because it shows the social life and commercial activities of a typical town in the Middle Ages, and its system of government. The activities start with an opening ceremony that takes its cues from the annals of history, where a Podesta' would circulate among towns, stopping in each for a brief period of time accompanied by notaries and military company to administer and hear cases. They would enter on horseback behind a red banner with a small entourage. This tradition dates to at least 1187 in this area and is recreated as part of the Mercato celebrations.

The mercato itself is performed by skilled craftsmen who show the techniques of local trades and products and create them just like centuries ago, using the same equipment and materials. You can watch them at work creating leather goods, wrought iron, paper, hand-hammered copper pots, candles, coinage and more. There is an old time spice market, as exotic goods were also part of the market offerings, and of course demijohns of local wine can still be enjoyed.

A glorious banquet offers a real Medieval meal served as it would have been enjoyed for very special occasions using antique recipes, with the Podesta' and court in their carefully recreated costumes (you'll need to reserve your tickets in advance if you want to parake, though!) Other entertainment throughout the week includes shows, music and costumed events.

This is a unique chance to see what life was really life in the 14th and 15th centuries!