Annweiler holds medieval fest today to Sunday

Annweiler, located below Trifels Castle, will honor Richard the Lionheart of Brittany with a Richard-Loewenherz-Fest, Richard Lionheart fest, today through Sunday.

The English king, Richard the Lionheart, was a prisoner at Trifels Castle in Annweiler from 1193 to 1194. German Emperor Heinrich VI captured him on his way back from the Holy Land. Richard had to stay in prison until the English paid an incredibly high ransom.

Trifels Castle still houses imitations of the former imperial insignia, crown, orb and scepter today.

The medieval fest will feature a medieval market, a Viking and knight’s camp, vendors, jugglers, children’s activities and musical presentations in the historical part of Annweiler.

Market activities with more than 80 stands in the streets will take place from 7 p.m. to midnight today. Vendors will sell clothes, glass and leather items, pottery, jewelry, swords, soap and spices.

Craftsmen such as a turner, potter, goldsmith, stonecutter, glassblower, broom-maker, weaver and tailor will demonstrate former skills.

There will be medieval food and drink specialties including salmon, game, roasted meat specialties, wild potatoes with herb sauce, oriental specialties, pancakes, apple juice, berry wine, mead, beer and liquors.

Historical groups will perform dancing, singing, a fire show and music using medieval instruments, and jugglers and magicians will demonstrate their special skills and present a fire show.

Children can watch puppet theater performances, take a ride on a medieval merry-go-round, take part in crafting and face-painting or try out archery.

A falconry will also be there to show off birds of prey and owls.

Festivities will continue from 1 p.m. to midnight Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

Daily tickets cost €6. Children under 12 are admitted free and all visitors who come in medieval costumes pay reduced prices. Tonight, admission is free.

The castle’s opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April through September, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October through March. The castle is closed in December. Admission fee is €3 for adults and €2 for children.

Annweiler is located on federal street B10 between Pirmasens and Landau.

For more information about the medieval festival and getting there, visit www.richard-loewenherz-fest.com.