Farmers Markets, Malls and festivals are not
new inventions by any means. They date back hundreds of years to the dawn of
written language.
Although the history of fairs and festivals
is foggy at best. Nonetheless, the story of mankind is abounding with
references to fairs and festivals, not in an institutional context, but as a
part of daily social life.
Where and when the first fair or festival
was held is not well known, however, evidence points to the existence of fairs
and festivals as early as 500 BC. Fairs and festivals were commercial in
character from the beginning. Merchants from distant countries would come
together, bringing native wares to trade with one another, it is reasonable to
assume that “fair” was the name given to the place at which early trading
between foreign merchants was conducted. The merchants of Medieval World, USA
and the annual fair of the Colorado Medieval Festival join us from all parts
of the known world.
It is equally clear that religious activity
was companion to the commerce. The Latin word “feria” meaning holy day, would
appear the logical root of the word “fair.” Each feria was a day when large
numbers of people would assemble for worship. Worship in those early days was
centered near temples in great cities much like the medieval town located at
the foot of the castle, "Le
château des rêves" in Medieval World, USA. This city is also respected
as one of the great commercial centers of the world.
During the early period of fairs and
festivals, the church took an active part in sponsoring fairs on feast days,
and as a result, fairs came to be a source of revenue for the church. This
evolution that blended religion and commerce continued over time.
Periodic gatherings brought together the
producers of all types of commodities for the purpose of barter, exchange and,
finally, outright sale. To this marketplace were added entertainment and other
forms of activity thus; these primitive markets took on the aspect of fairs as
known during the 12th century. It gives us at Medieval World, USA great
pleasure to present this long tradition of fairs and festivals to you with the
Colorado Medieval Festival.
At
Medieval World, USA
you will find an authentic reproduction of the 12th century. The middle ages,
people, buildings & festival all come to life in a unique and exciting theme
setting, an entire Medieval World.
