steffib

Having only participated in Pennsic, my view may not be completely accurate. But, I found the SCA a hella lot of fun, and being from Europe, so I am always very amused when I see the whole kings and queens spiel. These folks research life in the Middle Ages, and then get together to re-enact aspects of that life. Some are more into beating each other with sticks, others are more into authentic crafts, and others excel at doing research; some are into the cultural expressions of the Middle East, esp. music and dance. And, like with all human group activities, it can become a bit extreme sometimes ;-)

But, by and large, the major gatherings of the SCA, called wars (since there are hundreds of people who beat each other with sticks), are wonderful events. Typically, people camp in more or less authentic tents in some big campground and play for a while. These folks like to party - and one can find wonderful music and dancing around fires all night. I have danced quite a few nights away at Pennsic, a two week event with up 12,000 more or less committed attendees, held every year an hour north of Pittsburgh. There are battles, days filled with classes on everything from proper handkissing to many aspects of belly dance (sword dance, zills, historical aspects, belly dance for manly men), an amazing market place with jewelry, fabrics, books, perfume. And, lots and lots and lots of dancing at night. I typically don't go to my tent before 3AM at Pennsic.