Renaissance Festivals- Keep Calm and Drink Mead

In honor of all the Spring festivals starting up soon, I just wanted to highlight one of my favorites: Renaissance Festivals.

Pirates, Fairies, Scotsmen, the occasional Roman legionnaire. Even the Doctor shows up to enjoy the festivities.

(Where is Rose???)

All in all, the Renaissance Festival is a place where you can be anything you want, and no one will judge you. You can just judge those that don't go to RenFest.

There is a ton to do at them too. You can learn to joust or use a sword, get your fortune told, have high tea with the Queen. And of course, eat as many giant turkey legs as you can.

(So...good...can't....stop)

There's also more fried food than you could ever imagine. Fried twinkies, oreos, snickers, funnel cakes, and a new personal favorite of mine: Apple dumplings with ice cream and covered with caramel sauce. 

(Mmmmm, fried apples)

Another "Rebirth" -

As you can image, the Renaissance Festivals are based upon the Renaissance  ( French for "rebirth"), which occurred during the 14th-17th centuries in Europe. Also known as the time after the "Dark Ages" when everybody was like 'hey, the Greco-Roman period was awesome. Let's get inspired by them'. 

(Venus, we have company, put some pants on)

Then, in the Post-War Era of the 20th century, interest in all things Renaissance started up again (thanks G.I. Bill for paying for everyone's college!), culminating in Renaissance Festivals. The festivals as we know them have largely stayed an American phenomenon, being more like open air museums in other countries, but hey, 'Merica! 

The Best Part-

One of my favorite parts of the Renaissance Festival has to be the food, there's so much greasy goodness to choose from! And the highlight of any trip to the faire? Mead. 

(So pretty...must drink...)

Mead is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey and water. Automatically delicious, I know. You can also add more ingredients like raisins or some orange zest fro a richer flavor. Plus, the type of honey you use affects the flavor.

If you want to try making some yourself, check out a nice and simple recipe here.

Or, if you want something even easier with pretty similar results, try out Roman Mulsum. Its just white wine mixed with honey, and hey, the Renaissance was inspired by Greco-Roman culture, so its works. Right?

Just add 1/2 cup of warm honey to a bottle of slightly fry white wine. Let it get nice and cool and enjoy!

So, are you guys excited for your local Renaissance Festival? What's your favorite part of the festivities. Leave a comment below and, as always, share if you likey~

Also, CaptainBarnes wanted me to share this with you: Check it out and help USF Quidditch get to World Cup! Yay for World Cup!

*images are not mine, find them on Pinterest. Which is awesome. *