Historical Re-enactment at the Castle for the Feast of Saint Barbara

The Castle of Santa Bárbara travels back to the 13th century to commemorate a key date in its history: the Christian conquest of 4 December 1248, the Feast of Saint Barbara, which gave rise—between fact and legend—to the name of the fortress. On 6, 7 and 8 December, the castle transforms into a large historical camp featuring period settings, detonations, cannon fire and fully immersive, free-of-charge activities.

Throughout the fortress, visitors will be able to see uniforms and clothing from different eras, as well as demonstrations of guard changes, troop inspections and scenes of everyday life. Each area will host successive performances, guided by a character who will accompany visitors through different parts of the castle.

The re-enactment is spread across three levels of the fortress, recreating some of the key episodes in its history: the conquest of the castle by Infante Alfonso in the 13th century, and the War of the Spanish Succession in the 18th century, featuring both opposing forces — the British and the Bourbon troops.

The activity, designed by Esatur, the company awarded the contract for the cultural and tourism programming of the site, is held every year to coincide with the anniversary of this historic conquest.

Programme

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December

10:30 – Opening of the re-enactment areas
11:00 – Become a Medieval Knight (Bosquecillo)
12:00 – Midday Cannon Fire (Plaza de Armas)
13:00–14:30 – Treasure Hunt: Traitor’s Gate (Plaza de Ingenieros)
16:00 – Slave Market (Plaza de Ingenieros)
17:30 – The Spanish Assault (Plaza de Ingenieros)

Monday 8 December

10:30 – Opening of the re-enactment areas
10:30–12:00 – Treasure Hunt: Traitor’s Gate (Plaza de Ingenieros)
12:00 – Midday Cannon Fire and Arrival of the Governor (Plaza de Armas)
12:30 – Slave Market (Plaza de Ingenieros)
13:15 – The Spanish Assault (Plaza de Ingenieros)
14:30 – End of activities

In parallel with this activity, the castle will continue to offer its Km0 gastronomic experiences on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during its usual opening hours, featuring tastings of chocolate and turrón, craft beers, Alicante D.O. wines and premium wines (92+ points).