A Renaissance Fair is a festival typically celebrating the period of time during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I of England, though some other Renaissance fairs may celebrate different historical time periods. These fairs typically take place outside on a fair ground over the course of one or several weekends. The performers in a Renaissance Fair typically travel with the tour of the fair. These fairs are a place for musical acts, theatrical acts, jousting, games, food and the sale of arts and crafts.
The Facts
Renaissance fairs usually have a traveling troupe of costumed entertainers who perform historically-relevant tasks for event-goers. There is a wide assortment of characters, but usually there is a king and queen of the Renaissance fair, several knights, several peasants, wenches, jesters, and more. Many of these performers act out dangerous and skillful stunts like juggling, knife throwing and fire breathing. The fairs are known for their medieval qualities which feature games that involve throwing weaponry like axes or bows and arrows, scantily clad women and performers and medieval legends in the form of acts and games.
Features
Renaissance fairs are known for their specific entertainment, games, food, and style of dress. A usual Renaissance fair features food like smoked turkey legs and other festival foods, often given medieval-themed titles. A big draw for many adults at these fairs is specialty beers and meads which are inspired by medieval times. Jousting events usually take place between rival fair organizations. Both the paid performers and fair-goers are encouraged to be outfitted in medieval-style dress.
Geography
Renaissance fairs are a distinctly American phenomenon. While it is not uncommon for other cultures around the world to perform reenactments rooted in other historical time periods, the actual features of the modern-day Renaissance fair are strictly an American presence. The uniting of the features of an amusement park and department store combined within the parameters of a historical time period is unlike the more traditional historical reenactments of other cultures.
History of
The practice of Renaissance fairs were borne out of a newfound American interest in Renaissance culture after World War II. Folk musician John Langstaff hosted an event called "A Christmas Masque of Traditional Revels" in New York City in 1957. This spawned similar events on very small scales like within classrooms by teachers who were using the format to teach their students. Eventually, the idea caught on and organizations formed to present these fairs in locations around the country.
Significance
Renaissance fairs are significant because they offer a different type of entertainment for fair-goers. Instead of a regular amusement park which simply features rides, games and food, these fairs offer all of these things as well as some historical relevance. They are also a great place for interested consumers to purchase handmade wares by traditional and traditional-inspired local and traveling artisans. These fairs are frequented by so many because they typically feature entertainment for the whole family.
