Meet 16th Century Houligans at the Renaissance Faire
The Renaissance, meaning “rebirth” in French, was a time in European history beginning in Italy in the late 14th century and gradually spreading throughout Europe into the early 17th century. It was a cultural and intellectual movement influenced by the classical Greek and Roman philosophies which sent ripples of change through all parts of society. During this period there was a resurgence of interest in the arts, and expanding applications in science, mathematics, astronomy, as well as unexpected changes in religion and politics.
The time was marked by important discoveries of Galileo, Copernicus, Leonardo da Vinci, and in the arts by Shakespeare, Michaelangelo, Chaucer and Dante, to name a few. Intrepid explorers like Columbus, Magellan and Marco Polo helped to chart the expanding world as they encountered new lands and people across the earth’s vast seas.
The Renaissance Faire is a recreation of a 16th century harvest festival in a typical English village where celebration rules. Here, you are transported to the era of Queen Elizabeth with period costumed characters, live performances by fire eaters, jugglers, magicians, singers, merchants of many wares, food, parades, armored combat, and jousts, and of course a king and queen and their courtesans! There is also a raptor exhibit where trained handlers show and demonstrate feared birds of prey.
The Connecticut Faire, held in Lebanon, Connecticut, is the second largest in New England and attracts over 30,000 visitors each year. It was my first time there and I didn’t really know what to expect, but what a wonderful surprise I had. Colors abound everywhere. The costumed performers put their hearts into the characters they represent. After a brief while, you feel like you are back in merry ole England and you should be properly dressed.
It’s a lot of fun to visit, and to capture all the excitement with my camera. Since this is the stuff of dreams and fairy tales, I’ve created an enchanting collection of colorful & fun-filled images of my day at the Renaissance Faire.
Click on any photo below for a larger view. Enjoy the show!
