medieval festival

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

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!