How did Renaissance fairs begin?

Historical origins and precedents

• Thread notes the modern U.S. Renaissance faire movement starting in 1963 in California, tied to 1960s counterculture.
• Commenters point to earlier “proto-ren-fairs,” such as the 1839 Eglinton Tournament and medieval/renaissance tournaments and fairs as historical precedents for costumed spectacle.
• There’s mention of older traditions of people reenacting earlier eras even in their own time (e.g., 1500s samurai reenacting 1300s samurai, medieval people dressing as Arthurian figures).

Global variants and local traditions

• Several commenters stress that while U.S.-style “Renaissance Faires” are distinct, Europe has many medieval- or Roman-themed festivals: in Slovenia, Austria, Netherlands, Spain, Finland, and elsewhere.
• These events often feature jousting, armored combat, crafts, falconry, music, and large markets—very similar in spirit to U.S. fairs.
• One view: in Europe this is “local history,” while in the U.S. it’s an imported, idealized past.

Why this period appeals

• Explanations offered:
  • Old enough to feel different, but not so distant as to be alien.
  • Strong cultural mythos: Arthurian legends, fairy tales, Robin Hood, early printed literature, later fantasy (Tolkien, D&D, etc.).
  • Romantic imagery of castles, knights, and courtly life, with harsh realities largely filtered out.
  • A “simpler” pre-industrial world before capitalism, factories, and modern tech, even if that’s historically inaccurate.
  • Desire for a “temporary elsewhere” that’s novel but still familiar.

Blurred timelines and accuracy

• Many note that “Renaissance fair” is used loosely: events often blend early medieval, Renaissance, Victorian, fantasy, pirates, Vikings, and time-travel cosplay.
• Some try for historical accuracy in specific sub-areas (e.g., a Henry VIII court), but most attendees and vendors treat it as a broad pre-modern mashup.
• Commenters debate period boundaries (medieval vs Renaissance) and the role of the printing press in preserving myths that shaped modern medieval romanticism.

Modern faire culture and subcultures

• Reports from various U.S. fairs: heavy emphasis on cosplay, crafts, weapons and clothing vendors, kids’ activities, food, and alcohol.
• “Time-traveler” days explicitly welcome sci‑fi and other non-period costumes.
• Several highlight the Society for Creative Anachronism as a more immersive, year‑round, participant-driven counterpart, with large “wars,” camping, and in-character social life.

Sex, debauchery, and commercialization

• One commenter found a California faire dominated by sexual innuendo, drinking, and high prices, more party than museum; others say that’s consistent with the tradition’s countercultural, festival roots.
• Another notes that more historically serious events tend to be non-profit and fully participatory rather than spectator entertainment.

Access and localization issues

• Multiple users report being unable to read the article due to geo-blocking and aggressive redirects to localized versions of the History site, leading to frustration with over-localization and paywalled/advert-heavy design.

Miscellaneous tangents and humor

• Side discussion clarifies turkey domestication and transatlantic movement.
• There are jokes about etymological wordplay around “faire,” and playful cynicism about media coverage of subcultures generally.