Event: Sweden

The Skokloster Pageant

When:	Aug 2008 (annual)
Where:	Skokloster
Costs:	Kr60-150
Opening Hours:	Various

Each year around 25,000 people descend on the historic town of Skokloster to step back in time and experience a self-billed "lust-filled event" which focuses on three epochs in the cultural history of Sweden: the Middle Ages, Sweden´s Age of Greatness (the 17th century) and the turn of the 20th century.

The medieval church and the 17th-century castle provide the main arena for five days of history and dramatics, although the fun spills all over town. Activities from the Middle Ages include a play and medieval mass in the church as well as three wedding ceremonies.

The Cistercian Monastery and the church provide a backdrop for the "village", which is filled with craftsmen, innkeepers, tradesmen, maidens, nobility, musicians and jesters. Knights from the Royal Armoury are on hand to share their knowledge, and joust for the honour of King Knut the Tall during the tournament games.

Sweden´s Age of Greatness is represented by equestrian games of the 17th century, the "Running of the Rings". Events for The Turn of the Last Century include a variety of circus artists, hobo craftsmen and peddlers working to the tune of an antique merry-go-round.