al-Barran Midwinter & War Practice

The Mediterranean Basin has been the cradle of world civilization since the first settlements in Jericho in 9000 BC. Known in English and the romance languages as the sea between the lands, the Mediterranean goes and has gone by many names: Our Sea, for the Romans, the White Sea for the Turks, the Great Sea for the Jews, the Middle Sea for the Germans ,and the Great Green for the ancient Egyptians.

The Mediterranean Sea is a symbol of creativity, of the search for the meaning of life and for wisdom, and of the love of people and nature. This sea has always been an environment that has bred outstanding people who have made remarkable contributions to the development of history in philosophy, art, music, literature, science, and technology. Magnificent civilizations have scattered all around the Basin, from east to west, from north to south, from Mesopotamia to Egypt, from Anatolia, Troy to Macedonia, from the Greek city states to Phoenician civilization, from Carthage to Rome, from Baghdad to Al-Andalus, from Byzantium to the Ottoman Empire and from Alexandria to Bologna, and have formed a sound base for world civilizations.

Join us for a day of games, contests, and revelry at al-Barran Midwinter!

Site opens at 9am. Schedule and activities will be announced as they are finalized.

Bar on site. No outside alcohol allowed on the grounds.

Midwinter

12/21/2024 (Saturday, December 21st)

Schedule

8:00am venue set up and decoration
9:00am site opens/setup for A&S Competition
10:00am Opening Court
11:00-11:30am Laurel Circle
11:45-12:15am Pelican Circle
12:00pm Scavenger Hunt Begins
12:00pm Luncheon Table open
2:00pm Court Dancing practice/class
3:00pm A&S Competition judging
4:00pm Court (at Their Majesties’ pleasure)
6:00pm Feast
7:30pm Court Dancing
9:00 Clean up begins
10:00 Site closes

A&S Competition

The theme is Greek mythology in any medium!
There will be prizes for Crown’s choice, Coronet’s choice, and Populace choice! We are all super excited to see what you guys can come up with so bring your best!
Whether you’re in the forge like Hephaestus, or creating wonderful textiles and paintings as if the patron Goddess, Athena, were guiding you. We would love to see the creativity, and hear the process of your arts and sciences.
Judging is at 3 PM.

Feast Menu

This year’s Midwinter feast will be expertly prepared by Wulfila Raedwulfs sunu.
Embark on a culinary journey through the Mediterranean with a feast designed to capture the vibrant flavors and timeless traditions of this sun-kissed region. The meal begins with two soul-warming soups: a hearty Red Lentil Soup, spiced with aromatic herbs, or a refreshing Lemon Chicken Soup, brightened with tangy citrus and delicate chicken.
For the regional courses, the table offers a rich tapestry of Mediterranean flavors:
– **Spain** delights with a classic Chicken and Seafood Paella, fragrant with saffron and brimming with tender seafood, complemented by sautéed fennel with mint and crusty bread for dipping.
– **Italy** presents a comforting spread of Red Wine Braised Beef, slow-cooked to perfection, accompanied by layers of rich Lasagne and a savory Stew of Mushrooms. Focaccia adds a touch of Italian authenticity, perfect for sopping up every last bit.
– **Greece** showcases a Slow Roasted Lamb Breast, tender and infused with Mediterranean herbs, served alongside Dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), a Roasted Red Pepper and Chickpea Salad, and soft, pillowy flatbreads.
– **Morocco** brings a burst of spices with White Fish Paprika, paired with Jeweled Cous Cous, its grains shimmering with sweet dried fruits and nuts, and Spiced Vegetables that evoke the flavors of North Africa.
This Mediterranean feast is a celebration of bold flavors, regional diversity, and fresh, vibrant ingredients—a meal that transports you from the shores of Spain to the markets of Morocco with every bite.