Are you fascinated by how people lived in the Middle Ages? Every year, the Alcalá de Henares Cervantes Market It fills up with people from Alcalá, tourists, and even visitors from nearby towns.
Come and be captivated by this much-remembered era that spanned the 5th to the 15th centuries through theatres, books, documentaries, cinema, and of course, markets.
The Cervantes Week begins
The Cervantes market in Alcalá de Henares will take place from 8 to 12 October, an event that is part of the Cervantes Week, declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
A week to learn and understand what the lives of our ancestors were like in a certain way, and especially that of Miguel de Cervantes.
Miguel de Cervantes was baptised on 9th October 1547, and the... Cervantes Week. During Cervantes Week, the city is transformed into a living stage of the Spanish Golden Age. The streets fill with historical reenactments, street theatre, period parades, music and dance performances, as well as cultural and literary activities. Participants dress in period costumes and fairs and markets are organised with artisanal products and traditional gastronomy.
XXIX Cervantes Gastronomic Week
And if you fancy a trip to the Golden Age, make a note of another event that pays homage to the author of Don Quixote in the month when Alcalá de Henares celebrates his baptism: the Cervantes Gastronomic Week, which is celebrating its 27th edition. At the Cervantes Gastronomic Week, you can enjoy authentic Cervantes cuisine, born from the literature of Miguel de Cervantes and inspired by the recipes from Don Quixote.
Once again, Casino Alcalá invites you to enjoy its Cervantino Menu.
Cervantino Menu
Casino Alcalá It is a Restaurant in Alcalá de Henares which, due to its age and location, forms part of the city's history not only because of its location – right in the centre – but also because of what it represents. A historic building, built at the end of the 19th century with a neo-Mudéjar style facade and exposed brick.
The essence of our menu has been adapted for the times in an authentic Cervantino Menu; Ideal dishes to share that will make your gastronomic experience a journey back to the Golden Age.
Casino Alcalá It is a Restaurant in Alcalá de Henares which, due to its age and location, forms part of the city's history not only because of its location – right in the centre – but also because of what it represents. A historic building, built at the end of the 19th century with a neo-Mudéjar style facade and exposed brick.
The essence of our menu, adapted for the times, in an authentic Cervantino Menu; ideal dishes for sharing that will make your dining experience a sure hit.
CERVANTINO MENU
Aperitif
Torreznos Soufflé with Padrón Peppers
Sharing starters
Foie Shavings with Pedro Ximénez and Apricot Reduction
Broken Eggs Casino with Joselito Pork Jowl
Seconds to choose
Confit Cod Loin with Squid Ink and Andalusian-Style Baby Squid
y
Josper-grilled Beef Fillet with Perigord Sauce and Truffled Potato Foam
Dessert
Chocolate Fondant with Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream
The Menu include pand one drink (beer, glass of wine, soft drink or water)
50€
High terrace supplement 5%, and exterior 10%
From 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM (16th to 22nd October).
As well as delighting your palate, you'll be fascinated by our lounges, designed in a warm atmosphere with modern decoration to give you a complete experience.
And if you prefer to eat outdoors, Casino is the only restaurant that has a High terrace where you can enjoy this gastronomic offering with views of our most emblematic square, Plaza de Cervantes, surrounded by the Convento de los Agonizantes, the Capilla del Oidor, and the impressive night-time illumination of the Colegio de Málaga, all at the foot of the ancient Iglesia de Santa María.
Alcalá de Henares Cervantes Market: The largest medieval market in Europe
The Cervantes Market of Alcalá de Henares is an extraordinary event that transports visitors back in time, immersing them in the atmosphere and charm of the Spanish Golden Age. This annual celebration, which honours the illustrious writer Miguel de Cervantes and his masterpiece, «Don Quixote de la Mancha», is one of the city's most prominent cultural attractions.
During the Cervantes Market, the streets and squares of Alcalá de Henares come alive with an astonishing historical reenactment. The old town is transformed into a bustling Renaissance setting, where actors, artists and craftspeople don period costumes and recreate scenes and characters from Cervantes' work. This authentic and detailed atmosphere transports visitors directly into the world of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.
At the heart of the market is the Plaza de Cervantes, where a wide variety of stalls and stands offer artisanal products, traditional foods, jewellery, textiles, and many other creations inspired by the era. Visitors can enjoy typical food from the Golden Age, such as cured meats, cheeses, breads, wines, and sweets, all prepared following traditional recipes.
As well as shopping, the Cervantino Market offers a varied cultural programme. Music, dance and theatre performances take place on different outdoor stages, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere throughout the historic centre of Alcalá de Henares. Workshops and interactive activities are also popular with visitors, especially families, as they provide a fun and educational way to learn about history and culture.
The Cervantes Market is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Cervantes and his literary legacy. Attendees can visit the Birthplace of Cervantes, which is located in the heart of the event, and explore its exhibitions related to the author and his work.
In summary, the Cervantes Market in Alcalá de Henares is a journey back in time, offering visitors the chance to experience the Spanish Golden Age in all its glory. It is a celebration that honours the memory of Miguel de Cervantes and his unparalleled contribution to world literature, while providing participants with an unforgettable cultural and gastronomic experience in the heart of a city with a rich history and tradition. You can't miss it!