This weekend in the city of Cartagena the famous celebrations of Carthaginians and Romans begin. If you have never been to see them, there is no better time to do so, as this year is their new declaration of Fiesta of International interest.
Disembarkation commemorates the capture of the city, in 209 A.C. By the Roman troops of Scipio, this gives its birthplace to a festive week in which the days dedicated to each side are alternated. The wedding of Hannibal and Himilce or the day of the Roman circus, with its gladiators and wild beasts, flow into the great parade on Saturday, the great day of the party, when all the troops and legions march the city.
In its twenty-eighth edition, the triennial city will revive for ten days the extraordinary historical events that took place 2000 years ago.
From Friday September 15th to Sunday September 24th, Cartagena will be filled with shields, helmets, labara and falcate. Absdrúbal will found it and give it the name of Qart-Hasdasht. Whilst his brother Hannibal will marry the princess ibera Himilce and swear eternal hatred to the Romans. In spite of the alecagio omens of the goddess Tanit, who will undertake his fateful march towards Rome, of which he will not return, because the Roman general Scipion will conquer and will refound with the name of Carthago Nova.
Friday 15th, the proclamation of the the feasts will take place after the arrival of the sacred fire at 21:00h by the president of the Autonomous Community, Fernado López Miras from the balcony of the Palace Hall who will then march to the festive camp in the vicinity of the Cartagonova Stadium.
Saturday 16th the XXV Crossing to the Port of Cartagena will take place at 10:00 a.m, then from 20:00h the Foundation of Qart Hadasht, will place three acts where the Plenary Session of the Senate of Rome will be celebrated on Sunday the 17th from 21:30h.
Other highlights of the program include the Wedding of Hannibal and Himilce on Monday 18th at 21:00h, the Tanit Goddess Oracle on Tuesday 19th. both will be held on the stage at the port. The usual period market will also open on Wednesday the 20th, which will be dedicated to children.
On Thursday, September 21st the Carthaginian navy will disembark and mercenaries and Hannibal will begin their march to Rome at 21:00h.
The great battle for the conquest of Qart Hadasht will be celebrated on Friday the 22nd at 18:00h, which will follow the victory parade of Rome.
The troops and legions will show their clothes in the great general parade on Saturday 23rd from the 19:00 hours, leaving from the square of the Town hall by Calle Mayor, Puertas de Murcia, calle del Carmen, Plaza de España, Alameda de San Antón to finish in Camp Festero. On Sunday 24th the festivity will end with the fading of the sacred fire and at 22:00h there will be a fireworks display.
To see the official program visit;
https://www.murciaturistica.es/PORTAL-2002/agenda/archivos/cartagineses.pdf