SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The ruins of two fortresses will form as a background for a medieval castle celebration, Aug. 27-28 at the nearby health resort of Manderscheid, Germany, located in the heart of the historical Eifel region.
The Manderscheid castle festival will officially kick off Aug. 27, at 11 a.m. with the opening of the market, followed by a variety of music and theater performances.
At the Turnierwiese, or training grounds, located at the foot of the Niederburg, which is the lower castle, a group of knights from Duesseldorf will create a jousting spectacle this weekend for people to enjoy. Knights on their horses will battle with lances, swords, bows and spears.
Furthermore, minstrel singers and small singing groups will be out and about to present songs and ballads from three centuries ago. For the children, a children’s jousting tournament will be offered in front of the castle’s cellar and a puppet show will be set up inside the castle.
A traditional handicraft market will be set up the same time and will remain open on both days. Whether it is a blacksmith, lantern craftsman or a flower arranger, everyone will demonstrate their medieval skills.
On the schedule are also dances and music from the 15th and 16th centuries, performed on historical instruments. A small village will be set up to show what life was like in the middle ages.
Historical fighting scenes by the “Loewenritter” or Lion Knights, who will be dressed in their armor suits, are scheduled for 2 p.m. on the jousting meadow. Fairytale stories and other exciting events for both children and adults will occur throughout the afternoon and early evening.
Additional fighting scenes are scheduled for 9 p.m. with a giant fireworks display following later on at night, about 10:15 p.m. over the Niederburg castle. More entertainment and dancing will follow the fireworks display under the motto “Taverna Spectacle”.
Activities continue Aug. 28 with musical performances, fairy tale stories and other events and performances starting at 11 a.m.
Middle age actions, including a jousting tournament by the Lion Knights, kick off at 2 p.m. and additional historical fencing performances following at 5 p.m.
Among the highlights of the festival is a concert, performed on historical instruments.
Entertainment continues until about 10 p.m. when this year’s Manderscheid historical festival comes to an end with a Great Curfew.
Entry price to the event is 10 Euros for adults or 7 Euros, if dressed in a medieval attire. Entry is 4 Euros for children, age 12-17. Children below age 12 get in for free.
“Americans are especially welcome to join in the celebrations of this festival, which is unique in the area,” say organizers.
Artists are always present and performing their acts everywhere throughout the day. There is also plenty of entertainment for children.
Food and beverages will be available as well as souvenirs for people to obtain at the festival.
Manderscheid’s two castle ruins can be visited daily throughout the year. The Oberburg (upper castle) the oldest, dates from the year 973; the Niederburg (lower castle) was first mentioned in 1173.
Manderscheid is located north of the Moselle River, directly north of Autobahn A48. To get there, take a right outside the main gate and follow the signs. As you get into Manderscheid stay on the main road until you get to the first main intersection. To get there, take a right at this intersection, following the signs “Zu den Burgen” or to the castles.
But, because the city is expecting a large crowd of visitors, officials recommend to use the shuttle bus service, which will be available from the center of town to the castles. Visitors may follow the signs to the designated Park & Ride parking lot.