Image courtesy of Mirko Cuneo
There is no doubt that people can live their dreams. It doesn’t usually happen overnight though. Every worthy dream comes true after hard work is involved, and also discipline, dedication and perseverance. If you want to become a knight, any of the above applies.
In the Middle ages knight training started at the age of 7, and those who made it through the difficult and expensive training program were knighted around the age of 21. The culture of honor, courage, battle and courtesy to Ladies associated with the medieval institution of knighthood continues to this day among the modern knights.
I am not a specialist on the knighthood. I only want to tell you about some aspects of their activities and share some photographs too.
There are some images courtesy of a modern Knight Mirko Cuneo, from Milan, Italy. He has a private Facebook page, so I can link only two images, but those of you who have Facebook account might be able to see more of his images and learn a thing or two about the knighthood in Italy. 
Mirko Cuneo
Mirko Cuneo
Viking training. Image courtesy of Mirko Cuneo 
Two images ( above) courtesy of Mirko Cuneo . Film set Richard the Lion Heart: Rebellion, directed by Stefano Milla 
Carnasciale Jousting: Mirko Cuneo and His Lady 
Casei Medievale – Medieval festival Mirko organized
To those who are wondering about the outfits and accessories. There is an amazingly talented artist and photographer from the beautiful city of Arona, Marco Ferrari, who has done splendid job for Celtica Festivals over the years. I think he makes a great William Wallace in these images. 
Image courtesy of Marco Ferrari 
Image courtesy of Marco Ferrari
Here is a link to the Facebook page of Lady Malina who is based in Poland. All the information is in English. Her garments and accessories look quite authentic and charming.
Here is also a link to the page of Celtica Festival in Courmayeur Mont Blanc, Italy and a link to the Frederick Celtic Festival in Maryland, USA. I would say that there are hundreds of such festivals and you can google for one closer to your hometown and book your tickets for 2015.
There is everything at these festivals to keep the Celtic Spirit alive: the bards telling legends of heroes and singing romantic ballads; Celtic dancing, sweet harps, bodhráns, mandolins and bagpipes. It is much more than a musical event. Usually the festival’s program of activities includes lectures and talks, numerous workshops, ceremonies and rituals, falconry, acrobatic performances, re-enactments and many more fascinating activities. Your children can participate in almost everything and learn a lot about history.
Now I want to share with you my own photographs from Cahir Castle Medieval Festival, Ireland. Check out this page: these guys are amazing, and no wonder they are booked out for all the 2014. 
Cahir Castle hosting the festival. 
Black Knight arrived… 
White Knight followed… 
The mean and cunning Black Knight is trying to kill the White Knight’s pet rabbit with a poisoned carrot… 
This is too much! The White Knight is getting ready for the battle… 
The Black Knight is ready to fight too… 
The Knights crossed lances… 
The battle continues with the swords… 
When all the weapons are broken, a watermelon does the job… 
Everybody is laughing at the Black Knight… 
He has to apologize for all his mischiefs… 
The Narrator looks very focused… In fact he is as good a warrior as the others, but today he has to stay off the battle… 
Yet he got a chance to talk with a lady… 
Wait, something isn’t right… Norman Invasion! Everyone get ready to defend the Castle!
The Monk and his young warriors are getting ready for their first battle! 
Oh! 
Ah! 
Hope my warrior comes home unharmed… 
The Narrator’s name is Michael Moylan. He loves and knows Irish History, and makes weapons and other stuff of any era and culture. 
The battle is over! 
Cahir Castle is safe! 
Thank you for reading, and hope someone clicks on the links and falls in love with the Celtic Spirit and the Knighthood. You can enlarge the images, I made them low resolution for your convenience:)
Photography tip of the day: If you are attending an event, take pictures of different objects too: they will come in handy when making a collage.
Have a great weekend!
Making memories 
It has been many years since I attended a Renaissance Faire; I am officially nostalgic for one now. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Jean! I haven’t been to any reenacting since that day… Nothing happens nearby…
The nearest Faire is two hours away from us–not quite next door. It doesn’t help the children are NOT old enough to appreciate the fun yet. 🙂
Another couple of years 🙂
Wow! Really enjoyed the photos. I’m somewhat of a history fanatic myself (particularly the middle-ages) though of course I’d be studying the other side (being one of those “hellsporne” English folk). I spent 3 years in Ireland though and love it. It has a certain wild, romantic appeal for artistic types like me and my knees still turn to water at the sound of a soft Irish accent! ha!
Oh it is great to hear you spent some time in Ireland. Do you want me to take pictures of something particular for you?:)
What a enlightened post, dear Inese.
I really enjoyed the reading.
Cuneo’s photos are great. Thanks also for providing that link as regard to Celtic festivities (I will check it out in depth).
Finally the fact that knight training started at the age of 7 during Middle Ages was something that caught my attention…
I would have never said they started so early. (Amazingly they did!).
Your posts are high quality. Keep it up, my blogger friend!.
Best wishes, Aquileana 😀
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They were sent away from home at age of 7 to serve and to learn. It was tough.
Modern knights are pretty much keeping to themselves. Mirko just gave me pictures, no comments:))) They live in their own world, but it is a fascinating world anyway:)
Thank you for the kind words!
Hugs!
Yes, being a knight was certainly tough…
I guess that’s why men are deserters of that school nowadays! ( I am just picking up the modern sense of being a knight/gentleman). 🙂
It was a pleasure to stop by at you blog .
Thank you Inese. Hugs right back at you,
Aquileana 😀
🙂
Oh, this is wonderful Inese! I love this kind of thing. Maybe i’m a romantic after all. Thanks so much for the post. Hugs!
So glad you liked the post:) Check out their festivals in your area. You would be surprised:) Hugs!
Inese – Wonderful post and brought back terrific memories. The years Tom and I lived in California, we attended a King Arthur of The Round Table festival several years running. It was impossible to see and participate in as many activities as we wanted in one day, and after the first year, we did as you suggested. We booked a nearby B&B and spent a week.
Sheri – I am so delighted that my post brought back good memories. Hope somebody else will read it and try this awesome experience.
An interesting piece Inese and some wonderful action photos.
Thank you Andrea! It is amazing how some people live their life.
What a fabulous post. I love all this old stuff. Wonderful pictures, thanks for sharing 🙂
So glad you like it. I had my doubts, this stuff is too specific, you know… Not everyone is interested. 🙂
Love this and a great reminder to me. I went and looked up activities for Central Florida and found some! Definitely going to check it out! 🙂
I am so glad you did it! These festivals are amazing! You probably missed it for this year, but you can plan for 2015. You might want to book a hotel and everything… but it will be worth the effort:)
Amazing imagery! It literally is like stepping into another world. 🙂
Thank you!!! Check out the links, may be you find something interesting near where you live:)
Wonderful history and photos! Love traveling into your world 🙂
Thank you Alisa! So glad you find my post entertaining 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
Inese