27th annual Arizona Renaissance Festival and Artisan Faire

Step Back in Time at the 2015 Arizona Renaissance Festival & Artisan Marketplace

📍 Location: Gold Canyon, AZ
📅 Event Dates: Saturdays & Sundays from February 7 – March 29, 2015
🕰️ Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, rain or shine
🎟️ Special Opening: Presidents' Day – Monday, February 16, 2015

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Experience the Magic of the Arizona Renaissance Festival

HUZZAH! The Arizona Renaissance Festival is back for another season of medieval merriment, thrilling jousting tournaments, live performances, and artisan shopping! This 16th-century village comes to life with over 2,000 costumed characters, interactive street performances, and 13 entertainment stages featuring sword swallowers, whip masters, comedic storytellers, and musicians.

With nearly 30% of attendees dressing in Renaissance costumes, why not join the Cosplay fun and don your best knight, pirate, or noble attire for an even more immersive experience?

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World-Class Entertainment & Performers

✨ Whipmaster Adam Crack – Guinness World Record holder for whip artistry.
💀 The Ded Bob Sho – Hilarious comedy with Ded Bob and Sluj.
⚔️ Don Juan & Miguel – A mix of swordplay, whips, and outrageous comedy.
🏇 Jousting Tournaments – Watch knights battle in full armor for the Queen’s honor.
🤡 Thom Selectomy – Sword swallowing and side-splitting humor.
🧚 Twig the Fairy – Magical fairy performances full of whimsy and glitter.
📖 Zilch the Torysteller – Hilarious twisted fairy tales with a comedic twist.

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Feast Like Royalty – Food & Drinks at the Festival

🍗 Indulge in hearty medieval fare, including:

• Giant roasted turkey legs
• Steak-on-a-stake
• Bread bowl soups & stews
• Handmade chocolates & cinnamon-roasted almonds

🍻 Quench your thirst at the festival pubs, offering:

• Beer, wine, and honey mead
• Signature medieval cocktails

🍽️ Looking for a royal dining experience? Enjoy an authentic medieval banquet with the royal court (reservations recommended).

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The Artisan Marketplace – Unique Shopping Experience

🏹 Discover hand-crafted treasures, including:

• Swords, armor, and chainmail
• Renaissance dresses and custom leatherwork
• Scented candles, handmade pottery, and masks
• Henna tattoos, palm readings, and intricate hair braiding

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Interactive Games & Rides – Test Your Medieval Skills!

🎯 Challenge your skills with festival games like:

• Archery & axe throwing
• Paintball siege battles
• Climbing the Tower challenge

🎡 Kid-Friendly Rides & Attractions:

• Da Vinci’s Flying Machine
• The Enchanted Maze
• Puppet shows & interactive storytelling

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Save on Tickets – Arizona Renaissance Festival Discounts

🎟️ Discounted Tickets Available at Fry’s Food Stores:

• Adults: $20.00
• Children (5-12): $10.00

🎟️ On-Site Ticket Booth Prices:

• $2 more per ticket at the gate

📢 Get your tickets online to secure your spot and skip the wait!

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Make It a Weekend Getaway!

📍 Plan Your Trip: If you’re attending the Arizona Renaissance Festival, why not turn it into a weekend adventure? Look for hotels, resorts, or vacation rentals near Gold Canyon, AZ to stay close to the action! Contact us for accommodations.

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Final Thoughts – A Must-See Event in Arizona!

Whether you're a history buff, fantasy fan, or just looking for a fun-filled family adventure, the Arizona Renaissance Festival is an event you don’t want to miss. With live jousting, hilarious performances, artisan shopping, and delicious medieval feasts, it’s one of Arizona’s top attractions each year.

🔥 Don’t wait—grab your Renaissance garb, plan your trip, and get ready for an unforgettable experience ate the 2015 Arizona Renaissance Faire!

The origins of Santa Claus

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The Origins, History, and Global Traditions of Santa Claus 🎅

Did you know that Santa Claus has more than one Christmas Eve? Due to time zones and the rotation of the Earth, Santa actually has 31 hours to deliver presents if he travels east to west. Additionally, Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Eve on January 6th, giving Santa a second round of deliveries!

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, and Kris Kringle, is one of the most beloved holiday figures worldwide. But where did his legend begin? Let’s explore the origins, history, and global traditions of Santa Claus.

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🎄 Santa Claus Around the World

🌍 Santa is known by many names globally, including:

• Saint Nicholas (Western Europe & Christian traditions)
• Père Noël (France)
• Weihnachtsmann (Germany)
• Babbo Natale (Italy)
• Ded Moroz (Russia & Eastern Europe)
• Papai Noel (Brazil & Portugal)
• Julenissen (Scandinavia)

🎁 Not All Children Receive Gifts from Santa!
Santa only delivers gifts to children who believe in him, which means that approximately 50-55% of the world’s children—primarily in Christian communities—expect a visit. In some cultures, gift-giving traditions differ:

• 🎅 Poland: St. Nicholas Day (December 6th) is a day for gifts from Święty Mikołaj (St. Nicholas).
• 🎄 Spain & Latin America: Gifts are exchanged on January 6th for Three Kings’ Day (Día de los Reyes Magos).
• ❄️ Russia & Ukraine: Santa-like figure Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) delivers gifts on New Year’s Eve instead of Christmas.

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🎅 The Origins of Santa Claus – From Saint to Mythical Gift-Giver

The story of Santa Claus traces back to Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop from Myra (modern-day Turkey). Known for his generosity and devotion to children, his legend spread throughout Europe, making him the Patron Saint of Children and Travelers.

✨ Key Moments in the Evolution of Santa Claus:

• 12th Century: The Feast of St. Nicholas (December 6th) was officially established as a day of gift-giving and charity.
• Protestant Reformation (16th Century): While devotion to Saint Nicholas declined in much of Europe, Dutch traditions of Sinterklaas survived.
• 17th Century: Dutch settlers brought "Sinterklaas" to America, where the name evolved into Santa Claus.
• 1822: Clement C. Moore’s poem ‘A Visit from St. Nicholas’ (a.k.a. The Night Before Christmas) shaped the modern image of Santa:
  • “He had a broad face and a little round belly”
  • “He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf”
• 19th & 20th Centuries: Santa’s red suit and sleigh-pulled reindeer became iconic, thanks to Coca-Cola ads and Christmas illustrations.

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🦌 The Legend of Krampus – Santa’s Dark Companion

Not all holiday traditions are cheerful! In Austrian, German, and Alpine folklore, Krampus is a horned, demonic figure who punishes naughty children while Santa rewards the good ones.

🔥 Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) on December 5th is a spooky Christmas tradition where people dressed as Krampus parade through the streets, scaring misbehaving children before St. Nicholas arrives on December 6th.

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🎁 Santa’s Christmas Magic – Myth or Reality?

Santa’s legend continues to evolve, blending history, folklore, and pop culture. Whether you believe in the real Saint Nicholas, embrace the magic of Santa’s Christmas Eve deliveries, or enjoy the spooky tales of Krampus, there’s no denying the enduring power of holiday traditions.

🌟 Want to learn more about holiday legends and global Christmas traditions? Stay tuned for more festive history and folklore!

Marvel Experience: Produced by Hero Ventures coming to Arizona

The Marvel Experience – A High-Tech Superhero Adventure

📍 Location: Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, Scottsdale, AZ
📅 Arizona Dates: December 19, 2014 – January 3, 2015
🎟️ Ticket Discounts: Military 2-for-1 deal & Group Savings (15+ people save 10%)

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What Is The Marvel Experience?

Step into the Marvel Universe and become a deputized S.H.I.E.L.D. agent in this cutting-edge interactive attraction! Featuring more than 20+ iconic Marvel characters, including:

• 🕷️ Spider-Man
• ⚡ Iron Man
• 🛡️ Captain America
• ⚒️ Thor
• 💪 Hulk
• 🖤 Black Widow

Prepare to battle HYDRA, Red Skull, M.O.D.O.K., and the evil Adaptoids in a one-of-a-kind, hyper-reality superhero experience.

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Marvel Experience Attractions – What to Expect

🌍 Spanning 3 Acres & 7 Interactive Domes!
🚀 Life-Size Avengers Quinjet – Get up close with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s elite aircraft!
🕹️ 360° 3-D Projection Dome – A fully immersive, cinematic Marvel experience!
🧗 Spider-Man Climbing Wall – Test your agility like Peter Parker (must weigh 50+ lbs).
🔫 Holo-Blaster Training Simulator – Fight off HYDRA agents in a virtual battle!
🎢 4-D Motion Ride – Feel the thrill of an action-packed Marvel mission!
💥 RFID Super Power Band – Tracks your personal progress, skills, and achievements throughout the event.

Using state-of-the-art technology, The Marvel Experience blends augmented reality (AR), motion simulation, 3-D projection, and interactive gaming to create a theme park-style adventure for all ages.

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Important Marvel Experience Event Details

🕰️ Time Required: 4-6 hours to fully explore all attractions.
🎟️ Ticket Options: Available online via Ticketmaster or at the Dome Box Office.
🎥 Photography: Cameras are welcome, but no flash photography allowed.
🚶 Walking Event: No seating assignments – comfortable shoes are recommended.
🚗 Parking: $10 per vehicle.
🚼 No Strollers Admitted – families with young children should plan accordingly.
📏 Ride Restrictions:

• 4-D Ride: Minimum height 40 inches; pregnant women and small children can sit in folding chairs.
• Spider-Man Climbing Wall: 50 lbs minimum weight requirement.

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Marvel Experience 2015 U.S. Tour Schedule

🌟 Arizona: December 19, 2014 – January 3, 2015 – Salt River Fields, Scottsdale, AZ
🌟 Dallas, TX: January 15 – February 1, 2015
🌟 Del Mar, CA: February 7 – February 22, 2015
🌟 San Francisco, CA: February 27 – March 22, 2015

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Why Arizona Was Chosen for The Marvel Experience Kickoff

Arizona was selected as the first stop for Marvel Experience: Produced by Hero Ventures due to:
✅ Ideal weather conditions for an outdoor event.
✅ Proximity to major production companies in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
✅ Large Marvel fanbase eager for an immersive superhero attraction.

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Final Thoughts – Is The Marvel Experience Worth It?

The Hype says "If you're a Marvel fan, this hyper-reality event is a must-see! From virtual battles against HYDRA to swinging like Spider-Man, it’s a fully immersive superhero experience you won’t want to miss.", but here is My Marvel Experience review.

🔥 Grab your tickets, assemble your team, and prepare to save the world with The Avengers!

If you are into comic books, check out this article!

2015 Arizona Renaissance Faire

Huzzah! King Henry invites thee to the 27th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival!

Journey back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and splendor of a 16th-century village bursting with entertainment, adventure, and enchantment. Whether you're a noble knight, a daring rogue, or a fair maiden, the Arizona Renaissance Festival promises family-friendly fun, thrilling live performances, delicious food, and interactive experiences every weekend from February through March 2015!

An Unforgettable Medieval Adventure Awaits

Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of fantasy and legend as you stroll through the festival's bustling marketplace. Witness master artisans crafting unique works of their ancient trade, marvel at over 200 performers across 13 lively stages, and feast like royalty on hearty delights, including the festival's legendary roasted turkey legs.

The festival is filled with interactive street performances, hilarious comedy acts, and exhilarating jousting tournaments that will transport you straight into the heart of the Renaissance era.

Exciting New Entertainment & Attractions

This year, King Henry has summoned a brand-new spectacle—the Fireflicker show—featuring breathtaking fire performances that will leave you in awe!

🎭 Meet the Merrymakers: From jesters to minstrels and royal courtiers to daring knights, expect spontaneous encounters that turn every visitor into part of the magic.

⚔️ Jousting Tournaments: Cheer for your champion in heart-pounding, full-armored jousting battles between noble knights!

🍗 The Pleasure Feast: Indulge in a royal five-course feast, complete with medieval entertainment and live music.

🏹 Games of Skill & Thrills:

• Test your archery skills like Robin Hood.
• Take on the Climbing Tower for a true knight’s challenge.
• Hurl battle axes like a fierce warrior.
• Storm the castle in an epic paintball battle!
• Toss a tomato at an insulting peasant—if you dare!

Special Event Weekends – Mark Thy Calendar!

📅 February 7th & 8th: Opening Weekend – Let the Revelry Begin! Be the first to experience the magic!

💘 February 14th, 15th & 16th: Renaissance & Romance – Celebrate love medieval-style with special performances and romantic surprises.

🏴‍☠️ February 28th & March 1st: Pirate Invasion – A weekend full of swashbuckling adventure and high-seas hijinks!

☘️ March 14th & 15th: Celtic Weekend – Enjoy lively bagpipes, Irish dancers, and Celtic traditions!

🎭 March 28th & 29th: Final Huzzah! – The grand closing weekend filled with ultimate merriment and adventure!

Plan Your Visit to the Arizona Renaissance Festival

📍 Location: The festival takes place at the Arizona Renaissance Festival Grounds in Gold Canyon, AZ.

🎟️ Tickets: Find information on discounted tickets, group passes, and season passes online!

🍖 Food & Drink: Feast on authentic Renaissance-style delicacies and explore the newest Pleasure Feast menu!

🛍️ Vendors & Marketplace: Discover handcrafted wares, Renaissance fashion, and rare treasures from over 200 artisans.

🔗 Get the Latest Updates: Stay informed on festival news, ticket sales, and event highlights by checking out my other Arizona Renaissance Festival blog posts!

Don't miss out on Arizona's most exciting medieval festival! Grab your cloak, lace up your boots, and step into a world of adventure, romance, and revelry at the 2015 Arizona Renaissance Festival!