Following the success of last year’s inaugural Roman Festival in Tongeren (Limburg), the festival is expanding this year. This year the popular gladiator fights will be given more space on the Grote Markt, the city’s historical market square. On other squares around the Gallo-Roman Museum, visitors can browse the Roman crafts market, see demonstrations of textile dyeing and learn more about the workings of the Roman army. The Roman Festival takes place on 29 and 30 August.
Tongeren’s Roman Festival expands following success of first edition: “Gladiator fights on Market Square”
Colin Clapson
Published:
Last year, the first edition of the Roman Festival attracted 10,000 visitors to Tongeren. Owing to that success, the Romans will be given more space in the city centre this year. The gladiators are moving to the Grote Markt in front of city hall. Extra seating and standing areas will be provided for this major crowd-puller, including for people with reduced mobility.
The relocation of the gladiators will free up more space elsewhere for other Roman demonstrations and workshops. Just like last year, a Roman crafts market is going ahead, this time featuring more than 50 specialists who will bring history back to life.
They will demonstrate the craftsmanship of locals over 2,000 years ago: blacksmithing, pottery, textile and leatherwork, basket weaving and bone carving.
New demonstrations
“A demonstration of textile dyeing by an experimental archaeologist is new this year,” explains An Christiaens, Alderwoman for Tourism “Personal care and beauty treatments are also a new theme on the market.”
“In addition, there will be a greater focus on the Roman army this time round. Visitors will be able to discover at first-hand how that army was organised.”
Something for everyone
Fans of music, Roman mythology, comic-style Roman portraits, workshops and even Roman snacks will also find plenty to enjoy during the festival. Admission to the Gallo-Roman Museum is free during the festival.
“Last year’s Roman Festival was a huge success,” says Christiaens. “It appealed to families with children as well as history enthusiasts keen to delve a little deeper into the past. There’s something for everyone. We hope to welcome at least as many visitors this year as we did last year.”