Teruel is preparing to travel back to the 13th century with a new edition of The Weddings of Isabel de SeguraOne of Spain's most established medieval reenactments, the city will fully embrace the legend of the Lovers, transforming its historic center into an authentic open-air stage for four days filled with theater, music, parades, and popular activities.
This year the event takes on a particularly symbolic character: it commemorates the 30th anniversary of the reenactment and is being celebrated for the first time since the Declaration as a Festival of International Tourist InterestWith this double milestone, a notable increase in visitors, more recreational groups, and a greater deployment of cultural programming, services, security, and logistics are expected.
Dates, spirit of the festival and historical setting
The celebration will take place from 19 to 22 for February, four days in which Teruel will become a 13th century villageStreets, squares and corners of the historic center will be filled with tents, banners, taverns and market stalls, while actors, extras and musicians recreate medieval daily life and the key passages of the legend of Diego de Marcilla and Isabel de Segura.
La Isabel's Wedding Foundation It maintains the essence of the festival, but presents it as a step forward: it's not just about repeating a familiar format, but about boost international projection The focus is shifting from recreation to a more visually stunning and polished presentation. The organizers have emphasized that this edition is not just another one, but a turning point for continued growth outward without losing sight of local roots.
In total, it will far exceed hundred events The event will feature theatrical performances, activities by reenactment groups, musical shows, exhibitions, and family-friendly activities. An estimated more than [number missing] people are expected to participate. 150 actors In the main performances, in addition to a large number of musicians, dancers, extras and volunteers who, together with the Federation groups, will bring to life the different neighborhoods and camps.
The tents will be distributed throughout the Historic Centre, the Rondas and the area around the Bullringcreating different themed spaces that recreate trades, leisure activities, and social environments typical of the period. The goal is for visitors to feel as if they are walking through a living medieval city, not just a stage set.
General program and great scenes from the legend
The common thread in Isabel's Weddings is the History of the Lovers of TeruelThe story unfolds in various scenes spread throughout the weekend. Over the four days, the public can follow the narrative from Isabel's wedding to Pedro de Azagra to the protagonists' deaths and the famous Ode to the Lovers that concludes the reenactment.
El Thursday February 19 This will serve as the official kickoff. In the afternoon, at 18:30 p.m., the Cathedral Square will host the children's storytelling session "Charlatana y yerbera" (Chatterbox and Herb Seller), designed to introduce the youngest attendees to the festive atmosphere. Later that evening, at 21:00 p.m., the scene "Las mujeres deshabitadas" (The Uninhabited Women) will be performed, and half an hour later, the Procession of the Souls, which runs through the historic center and marks the solemn beginning of the reenactment.
El viernes 20 They will open from 10:00 camps and the medieval marketwith music and constant street entertainment. At 11:45 the wedding procession will depart from La Andaquilla towards the Cathedral, where at 12:00 the ceremony will take place. Wedding of Isabel de Segura with Don Pedro de Azagra in the Cathedral Square. That same space will host the official proclamation At 12:45 from the balcony of the Town Hall, by the jota singers Nacho del RÃo and Beatriz Bernad, followed at 13:15 by the dances for the wedding.
Friday afternoon will feature several theatrical performances in the Cathedral Square, including "Revolt in the Square," "The Rogues," and "Battle of Wits between Friars and Nuns," as well as other scenes such as "What a Cross!", "Orphans of Mother Frontonia," and "Benefactor Wanted." Simultaneously, at 20:00 p.m., the following is scheduled: reception for King James I of Aragon in the Parque de los Fueros, followed by a parade to the Plaza del Torico for the homage of the town's inhabitants and closing with the fire show "The Farralis ritual" at 21:15 p.m.
El Saturday 21 It will be one of the most intense days. From early morning, the opening of the camps and market will be repeated, with parades and family entertainment. At 16:15 p.m., the Bridal Bull in Tozal and Plaza del Torico, while at 17:00 PM the King's Tournament in the Bullring, one of the events that usually draws the largest crowds. In the afternoon, the key moments of the legend will arrive: the gathering of troops at the Daroca Gate at 19:00 p.m., the entry of the Aragonese troops and the arrival of Diego de Marcilla at 19:15 p.m., Diego's meeting with his parents at the Cathedral at 19:45 p.m., and finally, in the Plaza del Torico at 20:00 p.m. The Request for the Kiss, Diego's Death, and Isabel's Lament.
Following this central scene, at 20:30 p.m. the Procession of Souls will begin again, accompanying the deceased, and at 21:00 p.m. the charity torchlight parade will begin in support of the Spanish Association Against Cancer, which will conclude in the Gardens of the Staircase with the ritual "The Captain's Candle" at 21:30 p.m.
El Sunday 22 It is reserved for the funeral rites. At 11:45, the funeral procession for Diego de Marcilla will form towards the Cathedral Square, where "Gossip about the Deceased" will be performed at noon, followed at 12:30 by the Diego's funeral and Isabel's deathStarting at 13:00 PM, the Plaza del Seminario will host the Romance of the Blind Man, the Ode to the Lovers, the traditional invitation to kiss in their honor and "The Heartbeats of the Lovers", which symbolically close an edition conceived as a benchmark of historical reenactment.
A revamped stage design and a focus on music
The organization has emphasized that this thirtieth edition incorporates significant changes in the stagingWith the aim of making the performances more compact, visual, and exciting, work has been done to give the scenes greater dramatic unity and strengthen the ensemble participation, especially in the large block on Saturday afternoon.
On that central day, the figure of Diego de Marcilla will remain on stage right up to the end, so the action isn't as fragmented as in previous years. At a specific moment, the feeling that time stands still will be created, and different characters and set pieces will appear, underscoring the emotional climax of the story and aiming for a more complete effect for the audience.
Among the most striking new features is the addition of a audiovisual set design Projected onto the façade of the Caja Rural building, in the location where the balcony scene takes place. This projection is not intended as an isolated addition, but rather integrated into the dramaturgy: it will be used to intensify the emotion, accompany key moments, and create a highly visual and impactful ending.
Music will play a special role this year. The participation of Sarah Serena It will contribute a more pronounced sound dimension, with interventions spread across different scenes of the reenactment. Furthermore, the selection of Nacho del RÃo and Beatriz Bernad as town criers reinforces the significance of the Aragonese jota within the program, linking musical tradition and popular celebration.
Throughout the weekend, events will take place concerts, dance performances and parades at various locations throughout the city. On Friday morning, groups like Charraire and La Nariz Roja will provide the soundtrack for the market opening; at midday, Manfredina and Los Alarifes de San MartÃn will bring music and dance to the wedding at the Cathedral; in the afternoon and evening, performances will take place in the Parque de los Fueros and the Plaza del Torico. Saturday's events will continue with Barzonia, the CompañÃa Chéchare, and groups such as Octava Milla and L'Orache de Monzón, in addition to concerts like Lurte's performance at the Escalinata.
Medieval market, tents and daily life of the 13th century
One of the great attractions of Isabel's Weddings is the Medieval Marketwhich this year is growing and extending even further into the town center. The installation of around 250 to 261 positionsThis represents an increase compared to previous editions and requires strengthening control and security measures, especially in food matters.
The stalls will be distributed across emblematic spaces such as the Cathedral Square, the Glorieta, the Oval Promenade, the Staircase, the Fueros Park and other nearby areas, forming a circuit that will blend crafts, food, local products, and a variety of culinary offerings. The event will feature approximately 74 food outlets, including food stalls, taverns, outdoor seating areas, and fast-food stands.
The recreational tentsApproximately 150 in total will be present in different areas of the city. New additions include New tents in the Ronda Ambeles parking lotThe festival will feature three new groups and the relocation of another from the Plaza de Toros. Additionally, the location of the tavern area will change from Plaza Goya to Calle JoaquÃn Arnau, adapting the festival's layout to the event's growth.
The nighttime atmosphere will also have its own space, since the festive tent It will be located again in the Los Planos area, with hours until 7:00 in the morning and special urban bus service to facilitate safer travel. This area will be one of the main hubs of nightlife during the central days of the festival.
The market complex, tents, recreation camps, combat exhibitions, workshops, and tastings seeks to reproduce the daily life in a medieval villageallowing the visitor not only to contemplate theatrical scenes, but also to integrate into a believable historical environment while strolling, shopping or participating in activities.
Security and health reinforcement device
In anticipation of a massive influx, the city of Teruel will implement a extensive security device and healthcare. The mayor, Emma Buj, and the sub-delegate of the Government in Teruel, Enrique Gómez, co-chaired the Local Security Board meeting, where the main points of the plan for this year's event were defined.
The City Council has confirmed that it will be available on 100% of the Local Police staffApproximately 40 officers will be deployed throughout the city during the key days. This deployment will be supplemented by... private security and volunteering, with eleven groups and 42 Civil Protection personnel, as well as a reinforcement of the municipal cleaning service, which will increase from 18 to 27 operators to handle the volume of waste generated.
On behalf of the State, the The National Police will activate more than 100 agents and The Civil Guard will deploy around 200 officersAmong the units that will intervene are the Police Intervention Unit (UIP) and the Prevention and Reaction Unit (UPR), specialized in crowd management and citizen security, which will work in a coordinated manner with the rest of the forces.
The device also includes the use of drones and anti-dronescanine units, property crime units and intelligence teams, as well as specific controls at stations and access points to the city. The Civil Guard will intensify alcohol and drug checks on the roads, with support from helicopters of the Directorate General of Traffic to monitor traffic during peak times.
The authorities acknowledge that the Saturday afternoon This will be one of the most delicate periods, as several large-scale events coincide: the Wedding Bull, the King's Tournament in the Bullring, and the reenactment of Diego's request for a kiss and subsequent death in the Plaza del Torico. Therefore, specific plans have been designed for each of these events to ensure safety and prevent incidents.
Health checks, bullfighting events and public services
In addition to the purely police aspect, the Government of Aragon will significantly reinforce the healthcare and public health checks During the Isabel Wedding festivities. The territorial delegate, Rosa Sánchez, explained that the regional government's intervention will be coordinated through the departments of Interior, Food Safety, Health, and the Attached Police Unit.
Regarding festivities, the Interior Ministry will process the permits for bullfighting shows, both those held in the Bullring and those held in the historic center, with special attention to safety measures and compliance with current regulations.
In the healthcare sector, a strengthening of social services Similar to the measures implemented during the Angel Festival, the Obispo Polanco University Hospital and the Ensanche health center will have additional doctors and nurses to adequately address any issues related to the large influx of visitors.
The Provincial Health Service will carry out food hygiene inspections Over a hundred food stalls will be inspected on Thursday and Friday to ensure they meet the requirements for food preservation, handling, and storage. Any irregularities detected will be reported to the local police for further investigation.
The Attached Police Unit will assume the functions of protection of personalities, supervision of public events and specific monitoring of the nighttime tents, paying attention to elements such as signage, capacity limits, and access for minors. This aims to ensure that the festival takes place in a safe environment and in accordance with regulations.
King's Tournament and other large-scale events
Among the activities that attract the largest audiences is the King's TournamentScheduled for February 21st at 17:00 PM in the Teruel Bullring, this show combines historical reenactment focused on the knights of King James I, equestrian acrobatics, and dramatized scenes, and has established itself as one of the must-see events of the medieval weekend.
Demand for tickets is usually very high and the Teruel bullring tends to fill up quickly. Children aged 0 to 6 years old have free access without the need for an entrance fee, while from the age of 7 a general rate of around the 15 euros per person, which entitles you to the seat for the entire tournament.
Tickets are sold in advance through the Isabel's Wedding Foundation websiteThis system allows you to secure your place and avoid last-minute queues and crowds at the entrances. Given the festival's status as an event of International Tourist Interest, it is recommended to plan both ticket purchases and travel to the arena in advance.
Alongside the King's Tournament, the The Wedding Bull, the military parades, the reception for King James I And Saturday's grand spectacle in the Plaza del Torico forms the core of the large-scale events that are attracting considerable attention. Municipal and state security plans have been designed with these events in mind to properly manage crowd sizes and movement.
The Los Planos festival tent, the tavern area in JoaquÃn Arnau and the various nightlife venues complete this set of sensitive spaces, where access controls, prevention measures and coordination with health services will also be reinforced.
Tips for visitors: tickets, food and lodging
In anticipation of the expected increase in visitors, consumer organizations have issued practical recommendations for those traveling to Teruel during the Weddings of Isabel. One of the key aspects is the purchase of tickets for shows specific events, such as the King's Tournament or events with limited capacity.
It is always advisable to check. which company or organization is listed as the organizer and what the official sales channels are. Before finalizing the purchase, it's advisable to verify the final price, the Administration fees In the case of online sales and the services included with the ticket. It is important to keep it until the end of the show, as it will be necessary if a claim needs to be filed.
In case of cancellation of a showThe organizing entity is obligated to refund the amount paid, unless a new date is offered and the consumer expressly accepts the change. It is also recommended to be wary of resale or unofficial websites, where tickets may appear at exorbitant prices or even be counterfeit.
When accessing enclosed spaces or large events, it is recommended to arrive with enough time to avoid last-minute crowds and facilitate the work of the security teams. In the case of families, it is advisable to agree on meeting points and keep minors identified at all times.
As for the hotel and commercial establishmentsPrices must always be displayed in a visible and legible location so that consumers can make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase the item. Food products, snacks, and tapas must be properly protected in display cases and, where appropriate, refrigerated. If any problem is detected with the food or drink, it is advisable to request a complaint form.
The roadside stands Food and beverage establishments are subject to the same basic obligations: visible prices, issuance of a receipt or ticket, and availability of complaint forms. If you suspect improper storage or potential sources of food contamination, it is recommended that you contact the local police so they can carry out the necessary checks.
Regarding accommodation in hotels or tourist apartmentsEstablishments must respect the price and conditions agreed upon in the booking. In case of breaches or services not provided, it is essential to keep the invoice and proof of payment in order to file a formal complaint if necessary.
This entire set of guidelines aims to ensure that those attending Isabel's Wedding can enjoy the party in peace, exercising their rights as consumers and making the most of one of the great historical reenactment events on the Spanish calendar.
With its historic center transformed into a medieval setting, a program exceeding one hundred events, an expanding market and tents, and reinforced security and health measures, Teruel faces this new edition of Las Bodas de Isabel as a key point in its history: a celebration that looks to its legendary past while consolidating its role as a leading cultural event both within and outside of Spain.
