UNM Medieval Studies Association hosts 4th annual Medieval Faire on Johnson Field
Johnson Field served as the venue for the fourth annual annual Medieval Faire organized by the University of New Mexico’s Institute for Medieval Studies (IMS) student association, which took place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event brought together university students, faculty, and local Albuquerque community members to celebrate how historical traditions intersect with modern daily life through food, arts, and cultural entertainment.
Spanning the fifth through the fifteenth centuries, the historical medieval period was defined by hierarchical social structures, Gothic architecture, stylized religious art, and the influence of the Catholic Church. Historically, public fairs and festivals served as vital hubs for regional economies, cultural traditions, and social systems, occasionally connecting isolated populations. Today, organizers use the campus faire to foster direct collaboration between the university and surrounding neighborhoods.
Bridging Ancient History and Modern Albuquerque Through Interactive Workshops
“One of our core values is increasing community collaboration between the university and the surrounding community members and businesses,” said Jessie Bonafede, the event organizer, IMS outreach fellow, and a UNM doctoral candidate in medieval studies.
The faire featured experiential learning stations designed to connect visitors directly with historical practices. Attendees participated in sword fighting demonstrations, engaged in spice blending workshops, observed an active practicing blacksmith, and examined a working beehive.
Organizers noted a deliberate shift within the broader field of medieval studies away from a strictly European-centric framework toward a global perspective. This year’s event incorporated local New Mexico vendors and student resource groups, including the Graduate Studies department, National Student Exchange and Study Abroad, and the KIVA Club. Local commercial participants included Old Barrel Tea Company, Fuller Forge Creations, Albuquerque Sword Labs, and Bumble & Bug Bakery.
Blacksmith Demonstration Draws Participants to Community Event
Interest in the event has scaled upward since its inception. Demonstrating a shift from previous years, prospective participants proactively contacted Bonafede to request involvement rather than waiting for invitations.
A new partnership featured Daniel Fuller of Fuller Forge Creations, a local active blacksmith who demonstrated traditional trade tools and techniques.
“Blacksmiths were some of the most important folks in medieval times. They performed mostly behind-the-scenes work. They made and maintained tools, such as nails and fasteners, for everyday use. They also played vital health care roles, from veterinary work, such as making horseshoes, to treating severe battlefield wounds by cauterizing them.”
Looking ahead, organizers hope to work through the proper channels to have Fuller have a fire and work with metal on-site in future years. The association also partnered with Albuquerque Public Schools this year to support three local middle school field trips, with plans to expand school district partnerships in future years.
“One of our most important missions is to share what UNM has to offer and what the faculty and students are doing. More importantly, we need to bring community members onto campus and make the public part of what we do here,” said Lisa Myers, IMS co-director.
Additional details regarding the Institute for Medieval Studies and departmental event updates are available through the Institute’s webpage or by signing up for the newsletter by emailing medinsti@unm.edu.
