Carthaginians and Romans of Cartagena

For ten days, Cartagena turns its Punic and Roman past into a great collective recreation. Carthaginian troops and Roman legions represent the episodes that surrounded the founding of Qart Hadasht and its conquest by Rome, while the festive camp brings together theater, music, gastronomy and coexistence.

Usual date and duration

The festivals are celebrated during ten days in the second half of September, occupying two weekends. Exact dates are published for each edition and should not be deduced from previous calendars.

The celebration does not imply that all days are public holidays. Local holidays in Cartagena are determined in the official work calendar each year.

Venues

The historical events use different urban settings linked to the heritage of Cartagena, including the port, the Cuesta del Batel, the Town Hall and archaeological sites. The festive camp functions as a nighttime meeting point, with the troop and legion enclosures, market and gastronomic offer.

Also check out the festivals of Cartagena.

Origin and history

The festival began in 1990 to disseminate, through recreation, the events of the Second Punic War related to Cartagena. The story starts from the founding of Qart Hadasht by Hasdrubal in 227 BC. C. and culminates with the Roman conquest led by Publius Cornelius Scipio in 209 BC. c.

The Federation of Troops and Legions articulates the participation of both sides and dozens of festive groups. The celebration was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest in 2017.

The story of the ten days

Each day develops an episode of the historical story. The sacred fire and the proclamation open the festivities; Then the Foundation of Qart Hadasht, the destruction of Saguntum, the session of the Roman Senate, the Wedding of Hannibal and Himilce and the Oracle of Tanit follow one another.

The second half presents Hannibal's march, the landings of the armies, the hiring of mercenaries and the battle to conquer Qart Hadasht. The great parade brings together troops and legions, and the extinguishing of the sacred fire marks the close.

Main events and traditions

  • Transfer and lighting of the sacred fire, proclamation and inauguration of the camp.
  • Theatrical representations of the Foundation, the Wedding of Hannibal and Himilce and the Oracle of Tanit.
  • Landings in the port, Hannibal's march and battle for Qart Hadasht.
  • Military parades with costumes, banners, machines and music.
  • Children's activities, participatory events and gastronomic proposals in the camp.

A participatory party

The organisation brings together the Federation of Troops and Legions, the Carthaginian Council, the Roman Senate and the festive groups, with institutional support from the Cartagena City Council and other entities. Thousands of festival-goers prepare costumes, sets, rehearsals and activities open to residents and visitors throughout the year.

Some shows, venues and routes change from one edition to the next. For schedules, accessibility and possible reservations, it is advisable to consult the complete official programme when it is published.

Sources