The city of Cartagena relives its history every year during the second half of September. Thousands of people, organised into 25 Carthaginian troops and 25 Roman legions, participate in the different events of the festival program. For 10 days you can enjoy a large number of events, often in the same places where they happened originally. The masterful staging, costumes, weapons and setting led to it being declared a Festival of International Interest to Tourists in 2017.
This year, from Friday, September 20 to Sunday, September 29, 2024, the city will pay tribute to its founding and subsequent conquest by the Romans, commemorating the most important feats that occurred in ancient Carthago between 223 and 209 BC.
During these days, you can attend shows such as the Weddings of Aníbal and Himilce. It is one of the most impressive acts of the Festival and represents the betrothal of the Carthaginian general Aníbal and the Iberian princess Himilce. The participation of all the Carthaginian troops in this historical event gives us an idea of its importance.
The Roman Circus, in which Carthaginian and Roman Gladiators stage duels for their freedom is another event that deserves special mention. Horses, dancers and other characters surprise the public every year with merciless fights, dance and tests with fire. This year it will take place on the Cuesta del Batel, with the Wall of Carlos III as the setting, a place where stands will be installed for five thousand spectators.
But the most emblematic act of the festivities is, without a doubt, The Great Battle for the taking of Qart-Hadast. It depicts the battles between the Carthaginian and Roman armies, ending with the taking of the city by Publius Cornelius Scipio in the year 209 BC. The military personnel of the Carthaginian troops and the Roman legions, together with a wide variety of heavy and light weapons, make the battle very realistic.
The Oracle of the goddess Tanit, the landing of the Carthaginian Navy, the hiring of the Mercenary Troops and the great parade of Hannibal’s march to Rome are other historical events that are commemorated in these Cartagena festivities.
All these events are complemented by a Camp open at night to all visitors, where you can taste typical dishes, tapas and liquors of the region. In this location, live performances and tests between warriors and legionnaires also take place.
These festivals provide a good opportunity to enjoy eye-catching shows, with the recreation of historical moments. Below is the link to the official website where you can download this year’s complete program.
