Posts
Yesterday was the last night of the Renaissance festival, in the Old City of Jerusalem, and I was determined to go. I don't really get out much because finding a babysitter is just so difficult, and my husband works at night and therefore can't stay with the kids while I go out. But I'd never been to a Renaissance festival before and didn't want to miss out on this one, particularly since it's unusual for such an event to take place in the Old City. So my husband got permission to go in to work a little late and I made arrangement to meet up with a friend to go to the festival together. And so I was free...for six whole hours...The festival turned out to be a lot more low-key than I had expected. Participants were led through the narrow, cobble stone streets of the Old City where actors in costume played out different roles along the way. At the entrance there was a human statue that everyone watched closely, to see if they could
catch her moving. Further down was a ragged hunchback with a wooden cart and then three women in Renaissance period dresses, lined up on a set of stairs, singing. When we came to the "slave market" the "merchant" threw a rope around my friend and tried to sell her, but my friend stormed away in a huff when no one was willing
to pay more that 25 shekel for her (and I wasn't buying her- I needed my cash).It continued this way, with different Renaissance characters along the way, leading the audience to an open area with a lighted fountain. There, there was some dancing and a performance with fire and then we were led away towards the Arab market where vendors hawked there wares loudly, trying to take advantage of the surge of potential customers.
I was disappointed that there wasn't any festival food or any booths selling interesting products, other than the usual stuff you would find in the Arab Shuk (pomegranate juice, loaves of bread and glittery knickknacks). But I did still enjoy myself. The best part, though, was actually getting to walk around the
Muslim area of the Old City. While I've spent a lot of time in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, which is one of my favorite places in Israel, I've never gotten to go into the Muslim area because it's not safe for Jews there. The Jews that do live in that area are often accompanied by body guards. But tonight everyone was freely walking through all areas of the Old City and I loved getting to look around the parts that I've never gotten to see before. I was particularly surprised to see that there was a large, beautiful fountain in the middle of the Muslim quarter, which I had never known about and was a bit sad to think that it is unlikely I will get to see it again.All, in all, I had a good time, even though the event didn't quite live up to my expectations. And after my friend and I finished we went to grab some food and I had schwarma for the first time
ever (I know, it's crazy. Seven years in Israel and I've never had a schwarma- but I just usually prefer to go with falafel).Every time I go to one of these Israeli festivals I come away wanting to put together one of my own; an American style one with good food and lots of interactive activities (isn't there supposed to be jousting?) So if anyone reading this wants to join forces with me in putting together a festival here, in Israel, let me know.
And if you have ever attend a Renaissance festival, can you tell me what your favorite thing about it was? I should start taking notes if I want to put together one of my own.
5 comments:
I once went to one in Turku and it was fun. They sold knick-knacks ;) There was jousting and stuff like that. But It was still a very little fair.
Where I live, there used to be a Renaissance Faire every summer. I attended a couple of times and although it was what you probably envision it being, it wasn't for me. But I love the idea of it being in Jerusalem.
How much fun! I love festivals like this...
Well, I understand the kid and no sitter thing. My husband works night shift as well. We pass on the sidewalk in the evenings. I am glad you were able to go and at least experience the whole thing. It is something nice to do. Glad as an over all you had fun. We do the festivals here too, but with all thats going on we didn't make it this year. But we usually have a great time, food, drinks, and entertainment. Can't ask for much more. I remember the first time we when my husband thought he would be bored and didn't really like the idea. But he had to admit in the end he had a fun day.
Hope you get to go again in the future. :)
Blodeuedd: I don't mind knick-knacks but the ones being sold by the festival were just the usual stuff. I wanted to see swords and...well, whatever it is that they sell at Renaissance fairs.
StephanieD: It would have been really cool if there would been some historical information provided or some connection made to Jerusalem but it was just people performing, no real depth. I was somewhat disappointed about that.
Shellie: Me too. I love festivals but rarely get to go anymore. There is a cherry picking festival that I do try to go to every year. It's lots of fun.
Melissa: You know, I was actually really hoping that there would be real festival food there because in America I was never able to eat the festival food because it wasn't kosher. Stuff like corn dogs and those cakes, that I can't remember what they are called. But it was not to be :( If I make my own festival there will definitely be food.
Post a Comment
Thanks for leaving a comment!
I love hearing from you and I'll do my best to respond as soon as I can.