Monday, September 1, 2014

Part 41: Ronneburg Medieval Fest

October 6, 1991 [Cold, Damp, and Drizzly]:  “Bumped into this festival by accident.  Drove to the castle last evening to check how late in the year the castle would be open.  There were cars everywhere and many people leaving the castle.  Learned the festival would continue through the next day and decided to join in the fun."  


The Mittelalterliche Burgfestspiele - Medieval Fest was put on by the Ronneburg Castle Preservation Society and the present owners.  The Fest was great!  There were several shows including medieval music performed by Mosswood, tightrope clowns, a jester's troop, and several skits performed by a traveling theatrical group.  

We liked the skits the best of all.  They had everything; tavern scenes, knights, cannons, sword fights and all.  The German fighters were so intense and really seemed to be going after each other.  We rooted for a formidable man with a beard that put Blackbeard's to shame.  Sparks were flying from his sword blows. One of the fighters' sword point broke off and arced through the air into the spectators.  Not to worry, New Mexico Man snatched the projectile from mid-air with his lightning speed.  Compared to American safety standards, it seemed quite reckless.  However, as observers imaging ourselves back in time we found it to be Super!   


Ovation

After the skits, we wandered the grounds, we drank sourmash, and we ate flatbread with dried onions and yogurt sauce.  We watched chainmail smiths, blacksmiths, coin smiths, etc., work their trades.  I climbed the Central Tower rising high above the castle via endless winding spiral stone steps and wooden ladders up to the crowning dome designed by a Welsh stone mason.   Stepping off of the final rung revealed spectacular views of the surrounding country-side.   Spent a bit too much time up top to escape notice and were given a replica Medieval coin newly minted at the event.  All in all one of our favorite days!


Ronneburg children

___________________
Most people are afraid of flying sparks.  Admit it, I am Fearless.

No comments: