Photos by MARIO G. REYES/Rafu Shimpo
The Renaissance Pleasure Faire opened its 51st season April 6, and runs weekends through May 19 at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale.
The world’s oldest such Old England festival recreates the royal shipyard city of Port Depford, during the reign of Elizabeth I. Fairgoers—many dressed in period costumes—are immersed into the music, language, merchants and entertainment of the era. Hundreds of performers rove the 20-acre lakeside shire, including the newly elected lord mayor, the evil sheriff and his wife, along with Her Majesty herself and Sir Francis Drake, as well as a bevy of knights, ladies, witches and peasants.
Attractions include 15 stages of entertainment, featuring more than 40 performance groups, such as knife throwers, witty shows, musicians, storytellers, jugglers and improvisation troupes.
There is also a jousting tournament, where select and elite challengers test their mettle in spectacular tests of equestrian skill and noble bone-crunching jousts of honor.
For tickets and more information, click here.