Fiestas & Events Calendar - Cartagena Spain

The fiesta of the “ Cartaginesses y Romanos”

For ten days in the autumn, the history of the city comes to life again. The fiesta of the Carthaginians and the Romans is derived from the second Punic war and both General Hannibal and Cornelio Escipion play prominent roles.

For ten days the city recreates its ancient atmosphere. Residents disguise themselves and re-anact the liberation of the city of Escipion as part of the grand parades.

The date of the fiesta is different each year, but it is always held at the end of September to signal the beginning of autumn. It also always starts on a Friday and ends, ten days later, on a Sunday.

Friday

This is the first day of the fiesta and festivities begin with the lighting of the sacred fire. Various priestesses carry this fire from the Parque Torres to the main port. After the opening speech, the Carthaginian troops, the Roman legions and the key protagonists Hannibal and Escipion, introduce themselves.

Saturday

Today the children of the city perform a small ritual. Thy swear hatred to Rome just as the general Asdrubal once did. Also celebrated on this day is the fact that Asdrubal officially named the city Quart Hadas after his mother country Carthago in Africa.

Sunday

On this Sunday a game of live chess is organized with representatives of the Carthaginian troops on one side and representatives of the Roman legions on the other. After this a live performance recreates the historic meeting Roman generals and admirals. In the final part of the performance the grand council decide to declare war on Quart Hadas and this concludes the evening.

Monday

Today the show begins with the murder of Asdrubal, founder of Quart Hades and Hannibal’s brother-in-law. The Carhaginians choose Hannibal as their new leader and prepare n attack on Rome to avenge the untimely death of his brother-in-law. After this play, there is a celebration of the wedding of Hannibal and princess Himilce, which took place just before the attack on Rome.

Tuesday

Tuesday represents a day of restlessness and insecurity about the future and the attack on Rome. Princess Himilce is very worried about her husband’s trip to Italy and she tries to resolve her restlessness in front of the goddess Tanit Mother. This story is also performed t the audience as a play.

Wednesday

On this day the Roman legions put on a great show in which the Romans begin the battle with the Carthaginians. The fighting will continue until only one person is left standing, and this person has thereby achieved eternal glory.

Thursday

Today there is a small play in which Hannibal decides to attack Rome, but very much his own terms. He needs a formidable army, horses, elephants and a strong fleet to achieve this, all of which will come t him fro Cartagena. The day ends with a parade through the city

Friday

On this special Friday a significant portion of Cartagena’s history is incorporated within a spectacular show. Generl Escipion wins a Roman battle and becomes the leader of Quart Hadas. But the Carthaginians keep attacking the city over land again and again and ultimately win the battle renaming the city “CarthagoNova”. Finally however, after a monumental, exhausting final effort, General Escipion manages to reconquer his city. To commemorate this here is a parade through the city in the evening, headed by Escipion.

Saturday

This is the day of the most spectacular parade. All Cartaginian troops and Roman legions participate, with the Romans paying their last tribute to the war victims.

Sunday

Today all the children in the city organize their own games and performances relating to the history of Cartagena and its key players like Hannibal and Escipion. This is also the day that the official beginning of Roman law in the new “CarthagoNove” is celebrated. At midnight the festivities end with fireworks, set off by the sacred fire.

Fiesta Date

Los Reyes Magos 5th and 6th January Viernes de Dolores The Friday of Dolores (Friday before Palm Sunday) Sábado de Pasión The Saturday of Christ´s Suffering (Saturday before Palm Sunday) Domingo de Ramos Lunes Santo Palm Sunday Holy Monday (Monday before Easter) Martes Santo Holy Tuesday (Tuesday before Easter) Miércoles Santo Holy Wednesday (Wednesday before Easter) Jueves Santo Holy Thursday (Thursday before Easter) Viernes Santo Good Friday Sabado Santo Holy Saturday Domingo de Resurrección Bando de la Huerta Easter Sunday Harvest Festival (Tuesday after Easter) Entierro de la Sardina Cremation of the Sardine (Saturday after Easter) Romería de la Fuensanta Pilgrimage of the Virgin Fuensanta (Second Tuesday in September) Fiestas de Septiembre The September Fiestas (First Friday until the second Monday of September) Romería de la Virgen de las Nieves Pilgrimage of the Virgin de las Nieves (Penultimate or last Friday in September)