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Jugglers present their skills during the medieval fest in Annweiler.
Annweiler will celebrate its 10th medieval fest to honor Richard the Lionheart of Brittany today to Sunday.
The event will feature a medieval market, knights camp, vendors, jugglers, children’s activities and musical presentations in the historical part of Annweiler.
Each year, thousands of visitors join the celebrations. Market activities with more than 60 stands in the streets will begin at 6 p.m. today. Vendors will sell everything from soap, spices, pottery, glass and leather items to jewelry, toys and dream catchers.
Visitors can admire how craftsmen such as a turner, potter, goldsmith, stone cutter, glass blower, broom maker and tailor worked in former times.
Stands with food and beverage specialties will be available to serve flat cake, oriental specialties, sweets, mead, absinth and other drinks from the Middle Ages.
Medieval groups will perform dancing, singing and music on medieval instruments. Children can watch puppet theater performances, try out archery and listen to fairy tales. Jugglers and magicians will demonstrate their special skills.
A falconry will show off birds of prey. A fire show is scheduled for Saturday night. After the opening parade with participants at 8 p.m. today, the group Duivelspak will perform on old instruments. The market will end at midnight.
On Saturday, hours are from 1 p.m. to midnight. On Sunday, hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Daily tickets cost €6. Children under 12 are admitted free. Visitors in medieval costumes pay reduced prices. Tonight, admission is free.
The English king Richard the Lionheart was a prisoner on 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. Opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. April through September, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October through March. The castle is closed in December. Admission fee is €3 for adults and €1.50 for children.
Annweiler is located on federal street B10, between Pirmasens and Landau. For more information about the festival, visit www.richard-loewenherz-fest.com.
