| Most of the renaissance festivals try to imitate the life | | | | swings, animal rides and live animal displays are also |
| in England during the reign of Elizabeth I of England as | | | | among the main attractions at these festivals. |
| it is believed that the English renaissance flourished | | | | These festivals are very popular in the United States, |
| during her period. However, sometimes these festivals | | | | and are organized at different parts of the country at |
| portray broader definitions of renaissance by including | | | | different times of the year. Vendors and participants |
| earlier periods such as the period of Vikings, | | | | often keep on moving from one event to other. Texas |
| barbarians, wizards and fairies or by including later | | | | Renaissance Festival is held at Plantersville in Texas. It |
| periods such as the period of 18th century pirates. | | | | is the most acclaimed Renaissance or medieval theme |
| These festivals attract thousands of visitors, vendors, | | | | park in the United States. It takes place from early |
| and staff members, who wear medieval style | | | | October to late November, which ensures cool and |
| costumes as well as those of other time periods and | | | | pleasant weather for visitors. It emulates 16th century |
| fantasy characters, such as the Vikings, pirates and | | | | British village, covers a different theme every |
| elfs. There is an abundance of medieval oriented | | | | weekend. It is open to the members of public on |
| shows, games, rides, arts and crafts, along with festival | | | | Saturdays, Sundays and Thanksgiving Friday. |
| foods and drinks. Renaissance-themed art & | | | | Apart from The Texas Renaissance Festival, other |
| handicrafts are also put for sale, and stages are set | | | | striking renaissance festivals in the United States |
| up for scheduled shows or performances such as | | | | include The Louisiana Renaissance Festival, Ye Merrie |
| plays in Shakespearean tradition. Jugglers, dancers, | | | | Greenwood Faire in Washington, The Arizona |
| musicians, comedians and the like perform at the | | | | Renaissance Festival, The Bay Area Renaissance |
| renaissance festivals to entertain the huge swarms of | | | | Festival and King Richard's Faire in Carver, |
| guests. Actors mimic historical figures and roam | | | | Massachusetts. But, that doesn't mean that |
| among the visitors interacting with them. | | | | renaissance festivals are exclusive to the United |
| A Renaissance festival also features adventurous | | | | States. These festivals are also organized in several |
| plays such as archery, axe-throwing, swordplay and | | | | other countries such as Canada in North America and |
| jousting, which were very popular during medieval and | | | | Germany in Europe. |
| renaissance period. But, performances like swordplay | | | | Most of the Renaissance festivals finish the hectic day |
| and jousting in renaissance festivals are just illusive | | | | with an end-of-the-day ritual, which is kind of parade |
| combats. Participants are not real fighters; however | | | | where all employees assemble to bid goodbye to their |
| weapons used in such plays are real. Human-powered | | | | patrons. |