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St Olav's Festival
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When:
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19 - 29 Jul 2008 (annual)
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Where:
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Stiklestad
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The 29 July is the anniversary of the death of Norway's patron saint, St Olav the Holy, in 1030. Stiklestad, the site of the his final battle, dedicates a festival to activities medieval and religious, relating to the life and times of the king.
The activities that take place during the week are organised by the Stiklestad Cultural Centre and span the spectrum of cultural and religious traditions that were implicated in the life and times of this Norwegian king. There are Catholic masses, pilgrims and prayers, medieval concerts and plays, guided tours and museum exhibitions.
One of the main attractions is a play that reenacts the life and deeds of Olaf himself: The Saint Olav Drama. Thousands attend each year, and it is hailed as the longest-running outdoor play in Norway.
There is also a huge medieval market during the course of the week, at which visitors can rent authentic costumes, enjoy handicraft demonstrations, games and activities, as well as buying period clothes, food and jewellery.
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