UNM Medieval Studies Association Hosts Fourth Annual Medieval Faire

UNM Medieval Studies Association Hosts Fourth Annual Medieval Faire on Johnson Field

The University of New Mexico Institute for Medieval Studies student association hosted its fourth annual Medieval Faire on Johnson Field from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., bringing experiential history, local vendors, and community collaboration to campus. The event drew families, students, and local residents to engage with the period covering the 5th through the 15th centuries through hands-on activities, food, and cultural entertainment.

Fairs and festivals during the medieval period served as vital economic hubs and cultural anchors that connected isolated regions. Today, the UNM event fulfills a similar mission by linking the university community directly with Albuquerque residents, according to Jessie Bonafede, the event organizer, Institute for Medieval Studies outreach fellow, and a UNM doctoral candidate in medieval studies.

One of our core values is increasing community collaboration between the university and the surrounding community members and businesses, said Jessie Bonafede.

Organizers integrated a broader global perspective into this year’s gathering, moving away from a strictly European-centric lens to highlight New Mexico connections. Visitors explored interactive workshops that included sword-fighting demonstrations, spice-blending stations, a working beehive exhibit, and live blacksmithing demonstrations.

Expanding Partnerships With Local Schools and Artisans

This year’s faire marked a notable expansion in community outreach. For the first time in the event’s history, participants reached out to Bonafede to ask to participate, instead of the other way around. Among the new participants was Daniel Fuller of Fuller Forge Creations, who demonstrated active blacksmithing techniques.

Lisa Myers, co-director of UNM Medieval Studies, emphasized the importance of drawing the public onto campus. The association partnered with Albuquerque Public Schools to support field trips for three local middle schools, with organizers aiming to grow that educational partnership in future years.

Blacksmiths played fundamental roles in medieval society, performing essential work ranging from manufacturing everyday fasteners to veterinary care and battlefield triage, as noted by event participants. Vendors at the faire also included UNM student resource groups—such as Graduate Studies, National Student Exchange and Study Abroad, and the KIVA Club—alongside local businesses like Old Barrel Tea Company, Albuquerque Sword Labs, and Bumble & Bug Bakery.