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Discovering Cartagena

More Articles By Phillip Bruce www.raxomnium.com

Cartagena’s Biggest Party Coming In September

About 2 300 years ago the Second Punic War took place, an event which interests virtually no-one today. What does interest plenty of people is the huge fiesta that loosely draws on the events of that war to have a great time.

In a nutshell, the Romans were contesting for domination in the Mediterranean all those years ago. The famous Hannibal, soon to be played by Vin Diesel in a Hollywood blockbuster, was brought up in Cartagena. He marched off to attack Rome, after gathering his army of mercenaries and elephants in the city, in 217 BC. The young Roman general, Publius Cornelius Scipio the Younger, took Cartagena in 210 BC in a brilliant attack.

Given that there were Carthaginians, Romans and a whole host of Iberian, African and other mercenaries involved, the story gives a great excuse for dressing up. In 1990 there was a general feeling that Cartagena needed a really good excuse for a fiesta. Apparently, someone thought of arranging a Cowboys and Indians extravaganza but it was difficult to find any real excuse for this. Then some genius came up with the Carthaginians and Romans concept and things have never looked back.

Now there are lots of Roman legions and Carthaginian “troops.” These have become very well-established bodies with strong social ties. There are mercenaries, legionnaires, navy units, shock troops and a very popular troop of Amazonians complete with Zena the Warrior Princess Costumes.

Each year a two people are picked to play Scipio and Emila Paula, on the Roman side, and Hannibal and Princess Himilce on the Carthaginian side. Events are re-enacted throughout the week from September 22 to October 1 all over the city and everything is free. On Sunday, October 1, there will be a big spectacular in the football stadium, complete with massed armies and chariot racing, and tickets are required for this, although details have not yet been announced.

One highlight is the battle that takes place beneath the city walls at the Cuesta del Batel, a bit downhill from the main tourism office and opposite the bus station with its distinctive “lighthouse” tower. There’s lots of fun and excitement here at 6pm, on Friday, September 29. For full details of the programme, see the daily entries in the “What’s Happening” section of http://www.discoveringcartagena.com/happening.htm.

Another highlight of the Carthaginians and Romans Festival is the camp that is set up next to the football stadium. The troops and legions try to outdo each other each year in the splendor and magnificence of their headquarters, which, of course, include bars and restaurants. The camp only operates after dark but this year it is hoped to have some stalls downtown offering appropriately historical food and drink.

There are specialist shops in Cartagena that make the expensive and very accurate uniforms, weapons and kit used by the troops and legions. So, if you have always thought you would look good in a Russell Crowe leather skirt or in an Amazonian bodice, then Cartagena is the place to shop.

If you want to taste the wine that the legions drank, then look for “Ara Pacis” in local bars and shops. Or if you fancy a Roman liqueur, then try a “Cuarenta Tres”, or “Forty Three” which was another legionnaire’s favourite.

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