Amongst the many fiestas and events in Avila, the one that really stands out is the medieval market. On the first Friday in September the city returns to the Middle Ages.
Stalls, tents, the smell of incense, rosemary, spices, cheeses, cold meats, slave markets, puppeteers, minstrels, knights, kings, monks and friars occupy the streets and squares of the historical city centre.
The city gets decked out to return to the times of knights and fair ladies. Exhibitions, theatre, fancy dress competitions and other activities fill out an intensive programme of events which take place in different spaces throughout the city.
The pupils from the Instituto Español Murallas de Ávila also dress up as knights, courtiers, minstrels and friars and enjoy the medieval atmosphere.