The queen who was imprisoned in a castle for four years: the origin of the medieval festivals of Sigüenza

In 1353, Peter I of Castile and Queen Blanche of Bourbon were married. In reality, it was a marriage based purely on state interests, as he repudiated her after the ceremony for not receiving the full dowry promised by the King of France and because, in reality, he had a mistress, Doña María de Padilla, with whom he had just fathered a daughter. Thus, Blanche of Bourbon was confined to the episcopal castle of Sigüenza for four years.

This historical episode is the origin of the Medieval Days of Sigüenza , declared Festivals of Regional Tourist Interest in 2023, as well as Provincial , which are celebrated from July 11 to 13. The city, decorated as in the 14th century, will offer residents and visitors an intense journey back in time with parades, markets, historical recreations and the unmistakable figure of Doña Blanca, symbol of a legend that lives on in every corner of the historic center .

The Seguntina Medieval Association has been celebrating this festival since 1999, in collaboration with the City Council, throughout the streets and squares of the historic center of the city and its main monuments, the cathedral and the castle, which is now the current Parador de Turismo .

For these 26th Medieval Days, a program of 30 activities has been designed to fill the city with history, color, and spectacle. It's a journey back to the Middle Ages that begins on Friday, July 11, with the opening of the medieval market and the traditional evening concert in the Plaza Mayor.

At midnight, all the historical figures who recreate the episode of Blanche of Bourbon are officially presented, opening the way to the representation of the historical events that are staged throughout the weekend and to which some fictional details are added to give them greater drama, such as the assault on the castle by the Queen's supporters or events that occurred far from Sigüenza, such as the fight to the death in Montiel between Pedro I and his half-brother, the future Henry II of Trastámara. Bertrand du Guesclin, a supporter of the latter, stabbed the King and, according to tradition, said: "I neither remove nor appoint a king, but I help my lord."

The following day, one of the most anticipated moments takes place: the grand medieval parade . This year, it has a new route, starting from Medina Street to the castle, passing by the cathedral and the Plaza Mayor. Historical figures, authorities, knights, and musicians will make it an unforgettable procession, in which residents of Sigüenza and visitors are invited to participate. In the castle's parade ground, Doña Blanca de Borbón will proclaim the welcome to the 26th Medieval Days.

Saturday's event will continue with a full lineup of shows ranging from bird of prey displays to knight battles, musical parades, street theater, a siege of the castle, and a carefully curated reenactment of the Battle of Montiel.

Saturday culminates with the Night of Haunted Sorcery , in which witches, skeletons, and fantastical beings will travel through the medieval city until they reach the Plaza del Doncel, where they will celebrate their rituals accompanied by the Batucada de la Vera Cruz.

Finally, on Sunday, July 13, visitors will experience the exile of Queen Blanca and the confrontation between Peter I and Henry of Trastámara, which marks the end of his reign. Afterward, the body of Peter I will be symbolically carried to the cathedral atrium, a moment of great symbolic and theatrical significance. The day will conclude with a children's battle, new parades, and a family show.