Tomorrow’s Epic Showdown in Cartagena

Prepare for a blast from the past! Tomorrow, September 19th, marks the beginning of the Carthaginians and Romans festival in Cartagena. This ten-day celebration, which ends on September 28th, honours the city’s role in the Second Punic War, specifically the Roman conquest of Quart-Hadasht from the Carthaginians in 209 BC. While many Spanish towns honour the Moors and Christians, Cartagena’s festival is a one-of-a-kind tribute to its historic roots.

What to Expect

The festivities begin with the arrival of the sacred fire and continue with a full schedule of historical reenactments. Tomorrow’s highlight will be the grand opening of the Festival Camp, a massive tented city near the Estadio Cartagonova. The camp transforms into a bustling hub of activity, complete with temporary bars, food stalls and craft markets where you can soak up the atmosphere and admire the participants’ elaborate historical costumes.

This festival is more than just a parade; it’s a full-fledged theatrical production featuring live reenactments of key historical events such as Carthaginian general Hannibal’s wedding to Iberian princess Himilce and a spectacular recreation of the Roman circus complete with gladiators and chariot races. Don’t miss the epic Battle of Qart-Hadasht or the grand finale parade, which will feature hundreds of troops and legions in full battle gear.

Plan Your Visit

The festival is an excellent day trip from anywhere along the Costa Blanca. Most events are free to attend, making it a fun outing for the whole family. The main camp and key events are easily accessible, so grab your camera and prepare to see history come to life!

Author: Melissa Williams

Hi, I’m Melissa, a creative writer and ESL teacher with a passion for storytelling. I started writing fiction when I was young, and I eventually discovered that I loved performing, working all over the Costa Blanca as a semi-professional singer. I now write articles that I hope will inspire and engage readers by using my creativity. Whether I'm sharing personal insights or delving into local culture, I try to produce content that is relatable and meaningful. working as a creator of events and features.