Some years ago David and I chanced on The Five-Petalled Rose Festival of Cesky Krumlov. Cesky Krumlov, in the Czech Republic is one of the best preserved Medieval/Renaissance towns in the world. We knew nothing about the Festival but just happened to book our stay to coincide with its first day.
We came to see the Castle and the medieval houses, instead we travelled back in time to 14th Century Europe. Czechs from all over the country had converged on Cesky for a celebration of period costume, renaissance markets, tournaments, jousting, street theatre and processions.