History of the Renaissance Faires

Medieval Festivals - Theater Plays

Renaissance Faires

In recent years many people have mistakenly blended medieval times with renaissance. The Renaissance was a time of rebirth after dark and turbulent times. Europe became a place of reawakening in such things as the arts, literature, thinking and government. It was also a time of religious upheaval and much war.

The Renaissance marked the end of the "Middle Ages" (obviously they had not been given those names by their contemporaries), around 1450 - 1500 A.D. Even before the early days of the Renaissance theater plays were being performed in the church with a Latin dialogue. More morality plays than anything with heavy political leanings to lure and control the masses, these plays eventually matured and became more structured and moved out of the churches and into the streets and on private estates.

One of the first recognized productions was simply called Theatre in 1576 with many more rising up after that - the Curtain, Rose, Swan, and the Globe Theatre in 1599. These plays and dramas continued through mid 1600's.

Today, Renaissance faires generally include an abundance of customed entertainers, musical and theatrical acts, ar and crafts for sale and great festival food. Many of the re-enactment Renaissance faires are set in the days of Queen Elizabeth I of England, some earlier around the time of Henry VIII and so-forth. And almost all of them blend a combination of rouge pirates, cutthroats, Vikings, and many others. Fantasy elements such as wizards and elves have also found their place in modern Renaissance Faires and all are welcome to come and join the festivities.