History of the Renaissance Festival – Sewing Machines Los Angeles

In 1963, a schoolteacher in Los Angeles came up with the idea of a Renaissance festival to teach her students about the days of Elizabeth I during her reign in England. The Renaissance festival was held in her backyard, and it was also to be a fundraiser for a radio station. There were historical reenactments, vendors, and food. It went on for a week and attendance reached 8,000. The event soon became a yearly event and the idea eventually spread.

Today, Renaissance festivals are all over the country. There are big and small festivals all year round. At a Renaissance festival you can take a walk through an English village where you may see shoppes of Renaissance-themed gifts, such as clothing, books, or art. The event may have tents with foods and beverages popular during that time. Along the “lanes” jugglers may be walking about and juggling balls. The event may include entertainment from singers, musicians, and magicians. Maybe you can play such games as “Drench-a-Wench” or “Soak-a-Bloke,” or attend one of the main events, the joust.

At a Renaissance festival men and boys are dressed as knights, highway men, or perhaps Robin Hood. Women and young girls transform themselves into wenches, medieval maidens, or Maid Marians. Visitors of a Renaissance Festival are encouraged to dress up, too. Peasant blouses, lace-up vests, and poets’ shirts are all part of the wardrobe. Wear a Renaissance wedding dress and feel like a princess. Come dressed as a Knight in Shining Armor. Come in costume and feel that you are living back in the time of Elizabeth I or Henry VIII.