A journey back in time, an immersion in the colours, tastes and smells of life in the Middle Ages – not just in Bulgaria, but in Byzantium, eastern, western and northern Europe, the Latin Empire and the Middle East.  There’s no need for a time machine or supersonic aircraft for this journey.  On 5 and 6 July it will all unfold before your very eyes at Sofia’s first medieval fair.  The event is being organised by Bulgaria’s medieval society MODVS VIVENDI, taken from the Latin for ‘way of life’.  Modvs Vivendi is an NGO that attempts to re-create a realistic picture of what life was like in this fascinating period, not just from depictions in history books but also using experimental archaeology and historical reconstructions.  A medieval camp with tents will be set up in the grounds of Boyana Church, a place symbolic of the era.

Kalin Yordanov, president of Modvs Vivendi told Radio Bulgaria what residents and visitors to the Bulgarian capital can expect to see there:

“Over these two days we’ll be performing a ‘living history’ and historical reconstructions, re-creating the arts, crafts, fighting techniques, culture and everyday life in the period from the twelfth to the fourteenth century, with typical scenes from Bulgaria, Byzantium and the Latin Empire.  There’ll be a number of different zones with a range of attractions.  We’re creating an open-air museum exhibiting medieval dress, weapons and everyday items.  There’ll also be numerous demonstrations, presentations, seminars and performances.  We’ve organised a programme rich in concerts with Early Music.  Then there’s the small medieval market.  It’ll be a fantastic experience for people living in and visiting Sofia, enabling them to come face-to-face with the middle ages in a very real way.”
Some of Modvs Vivendi’s members have spent time delving into medieval cuisine and translating old, authentic recipes from Byzantium, western Europe and even from the Arab world.  “Medieval cuisine is awash with different flavour combinations:  sweet ‘n sour, or sweet-mustardy and salty, and they also used exotic herbs and spices to the full“, explains Kalin Yordanov.  There’ll be an opportunity to taste medieval food and drink at the fair which is bound to be a feast for everyone’s senses.  Fans of the drink of the gods will be able to enjoy wine from the French court known as hippocras or piment, they can try mead and Byzantine wine made from rose jam.  Commenting on the surprises to be discovered at the fair, Yordanov adds:

“We will be demonstrating a selection of the crafts which we’ve been trying to re-create over the years.  They include book-binding, weaving on a reproduction medieval portable loom, embroidery of medieval patterns, medieval shoe-making from archaeological finds, making riveted plate armour and striking medieval coins.  We’ll be demonstrating medieval fighting techniques, historical fencing, there’ll be a chance to fire reproduction bows and arrows.  And we’ll also be playing some medieval games.”

English:  Christopher Pavis

Photos: MODVS VIVENDI