Imagine walking under the Caribbean sun of La Cabaña in Havana, Cuba, and suddenly discovering a medieval fair. It's not a movie set or a time machine: it's a vibrant fragment of the Middle Ages, recreated right in the heart of 21st-century Cuba. This historical fortress became a portal, not just to another era, but to other universes. Because in Cuba, a country that never experienced a historical medieval period (not in the European sense, I mean), a fair like this inevitably fuses with fantasy. Thus, wandering among its small vendor stalls becomes an experience of refreshing diversity.
Although the Middle Ages unfolded far from these shores and in a different context, these modern fairs do not seek to impose a foreign culture. Their true aim is to create a space for gathering, play, and expression. For many young Cubans, participating in a medieval fair means exploring imaginary worlds, learning about history in a fun way, and, above all, building community.
The event took place on the first three Saturdays of August, so you’ve still got this Saturday to visit if you’re nearby. Stalls selling drinks—or rather, "magical potions"—delicious mead, themed books, and an entire hall dedicated to the folks from Luddica with their Cuban-made role-playing and board games. The square teemed with dragons, knights, princesses, elves, wizards, plague doctors, hunters, gypsies… cosplayers and artisans of all kinds. The group Aedas, with their medieval music, perfectly set the atmosphere.
Markets: More Than Commerce, Pillars of Community
Although their roots lie in Antiquity, markets—or fairs—reached their heyday during the Middle Ages. The urban growth of that time spurred the creation of centralized commercial spaces where not only goods and services were exchanged, but also ideas. These markets were fundamental to the economic development of cities, offering merchants, artisans, and workers a stage to showcase their products, attract customers, and expand their businesses. But they transcended commerce: they were vital social meeting points. People from diverse backgrounds converged, shared experiences, and wove bonds that strengthened the community.
Medieval markets were true mirrors of their society. Beyond being economic centers, they functioned as spaces for cultural exchange. People from different regions converged there, sharing knowledge, customs, and innovations. This constant flow of ideas contributed to the development of cities, communities, and even nations.
The Essence: Reinterpretation and Collective Energy
What makes these fairs unique isn't just the costumes or the archery tournaments. It's the collective energy that animates them. People who may have never met before come together to create something jointly. Traditions are blended, symbols are reinvented, and diversity is celebrated. Far from being a copy of Europe, these fairs are spaces for authentic reinterpretation. They foster the creation of works with their own distinct mark. The Cuban medieval fair is not a replica; it's a collective creation that draws elements from diverse cultures to build something new, playful, and profoundly our own.
In a country where history and identity are complex and living topics, these fairs might seem, to some, like a form of cultural colonization. But for many young people, they are simply a valid excuse to gather, learn, play, and dream. And in that fundamental sense, they fulfill the same role as the original medieval markets: to be a hub of encounter, exchange, and community building.
I had no idea this kind of event even existed, but I guess they are not so surprising after all, if we consider the appalling lack of recreational options for the Cuban youth. What can I say, it is easy to empathize with anyone using up their free time in any way other than mantra-like repetition of the same three gritty Reguetón songs.
To be honest, before moving to Havana I had no idea as well. Next Saturday, Harry Potter event at Old Havana. They're gonna try to replicate the Three Wizards thing... With... A dragon, they say? I need to see that 😂
Wonderful, these kinds of events don't die!
Thanks for taking us there!
!MMB
!STRIDE
!HUG
!INDEED
!WEIRD
What a cool event and great post. I appreciate the effort you went to creating this in my community and appreciate the time it took. Thank you.
Thanks! I tried to keep the idea of building community and diversity while pursuing fusion, as opposed to the official narrative that bans these events by labeling them 'cultural colonization'
Nice work, and I appreciate you following my community rules. ✅
Woooah girl! I read this entries and it caught my heart and attention cause I like history and learning about culture of others. 💓 This is a great and cool post and I think what you witness in cuba is really exciting and fun! Hope to travel the world and see this too 🥹🔥
Thanks! Oh I have a lot of historical places in my posts!
It's really enjoyable and the costumes were cute and unique. It's my first time to see such costumes too. I love how how it turn out.