Carthaginian and Roman Festivals

IN THE SECOND HALF OF SEPTEMBER

Cartagena takes pride in its millenary past, and its inhabitants are the driving force behind an annual celebration that is unique in Spain: the Festivals of Carthaginians and Romans. For 10 days, during the second half of September, over four thousand Cartagena residents participate in this reenactment, which began in 1990 to revive the events of the Second Punic War that took place more than 2,200 years ago, drawing on the history and archaeology of Cartagena, and reinventing itself each year to gain even more splendor.

With dedication and hard work, we have made Carthaginians and Romans a significant international reference.

Although it is worth visiting Cartagena at any time of the year, we look forward to seeing you in the second half of September to enjoy the Festivals of Carthaginians and Romans.

During the festival days, all the heroic events that occurred during the period beginning around the year 227 BC, with the founding of Qart Hadasht by Asdrubal Jano el Hermoso, are reenacted. This period concludes in 209 BC with the battle and subsequent conquest of the city by the Roman legions under the command of General Publio Cornelio Escipión, creating a magical atmosphere that both Cartagena residents and tourists visiting the city enjoy.

The Official Main Events Program includes various daily theatrical performances that allow visitors to relive history in the majestic settings of the city, attending events such as the Foundation of Qart Hadasht, the Destruction of Saguntum, the Session of the Roman Senate, the Weddings of Hannibal and Himilce, the Oracle of Tanit, Hannibal’s March to Rome, the Landing of the Roman Armada, troop and legion parades, and the Battle for the conquest of Qart-Hadasht.

During the festival, visitors and Cartagena residents roam the city participating in various recreational activities organized by both the Carthaginian and Roman sides. They accompany the Carthaginian troops and Roman legions that land at the port and parade to the festival camp set up in the city, which becomes the chosen place for visitors to continue the celebration each night (the warrior’s rest), visiting the craft market and enjoying a wide variety of specialties from Cartagena cuisine offered in the bars and restaurants.

In the camp, festival-goers offer the public more than one hundred free activities in their encampments, including the Pruebas de Aspar, which features fun activities for children organized by the Carthaginian Council, and the Feriae Latino, which includes performances and traditional Roman meals provided by the Roman Senate.

During the Festivals, the tourist bus alters its route to take visitors to the venue, allowing them to enjoy the free cultural activities and savor the culinary delights of the Day Camp.