A Family Adventure to the Medieval Market
Every year, we look forward to the Mercado de Cervantes in Alcalá de Henares, and this year was no different! This market is about a twenty minuet drive from where we live. Stepping into the market feels like traveling back in time to the medieval age—cobblestone streets lined with colorful tents, the air filled with the mouthwatering scent of roasting meat, and everywhere you look there are performers and artisans bringing history to life.
The Magic Begins
As soon as we reached Plaza de Cervantes, the excitement kicked in. The boys, Caleb and Sammy, were wide-eyed, taking in the lively energy of the market. Costumed merchants and performers roamed the streets, and we spent hours browsing the artisan stalls. From hand-carved wooden toys to delicate pottery, there were treasures everywhere!
Performers and Feasts
The streets were alive with music, medieval instruments filling the air as performers led the way in front of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. And let’s not forget the food! The sight of whole pigs roasting over open flames made our stomachs rumble. We couldn’t resist sampling savory pies and other medieval treats.
Our Sweet Spot
But the highlight? Our family's favorite: Transylvanian Chimney Cakes. These delicious spiral pastries, dusted with cinnamon and sugar, were the perfect end to our day. We found a cozy spot in the plaza, munching away as we watched the performers go by. (Blog post coming soon about these amazing treats!)
A Walk Through History
The market stretched through Alcalá’s charming historic streets, and strolling down Calle Mayor with its beautiful old architecture made the day feel even more magical.
By the end of the night, we were full of food and memories, already looking forward to next year. The Mercado de Cervantes never disappoints—it’s a family tradition we’ll always treasure!
Before you go, take a look at our photo gallery below! 📸 We've captured some of the best moments from our time at this year's Mercado de Cervantes—from vibrant street performers to the delicious food stalls and, of course, our favorite medieval crafts. We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment and let us know if you’ve ever visited or what you’d love to see at the market!