Gladiators, crafts, ancient Olympics: this weekend, the Roman Festival of Elusa goes back in time

Gladiators, crafts, ancient Olympics: this weekend, the Roman Festival of Elusa goes back in time

On July 20 and 21, in the heart of Gers, at the domus Cieutat, in the ancient city of Elusa, come to the Roman Festival! An immersive weekend of activities, demonstrations and workshops that will immerse you in ancient Roman customs. Many local associations and entertainment professionals bring the event to life by offering gladiator fights, typical food, a fire show and many other surprises

Wander among the legionnaires and gladiators

The drums will resonate during the gladiator fight in the the arena of the ancient site. You may also come face to face with the legionnaires of Arles, who have come to invade the city. The little ones will be able to take part in various workshops: archery, chainmail, small swords, creative workshops, etc.

Gladiators, crafts, ancient Olympics: the Roman Festival d'Elusa goes back in time on July 20 and 21
Gladiators, crafts, ancient Olympics: the Roman Festival of Elusa goes back in time on July 20 and 21

Attend the Olympic Games... of antiquity

A few days before the launch of the Paris Olympic Games, the Roman Festival of Elusa gives pride of place to traditional games with demonstrations and workshops but also the running of the Olympic Games as they took place in Greek and Roman antiquity (only on Sunday July 21). This is an opportunity to discover what the sports and events were at that time… And to try them out!

Daily life of the Romans: village of artisans and demonstrations

Stone cutting, a knowledge from antiquity still present today
Stone cutting, a knowledge from antiquity still present today ©Fabri Tignuarii

What were the construction processes of the Roman era? In what know-how did they excel? You will get all the answers during the demonstrations, conferences and creative workshops on Roman know-how. Stroll through the village of artisans who have come to share their passion: glass blower, metalworker, basket maker, ceramicist, mosaicist.

The three sites of ELUSA Capitale antique are located in the heart of Gascony, in the heart of the Pays d’Armagnac, in the Gers department, less than 2 hours from Toulouse

Hear ye, hear ye: The Roman Festival of Elusa, July 20 and 21
Hear ye, hear ye: The Roman Festival of Elusa, July 20 and 21 ©Elusa

Fire show, Roman tasting, and guided theatrical tour

Nighttime alert on Saturday, July 20! Starting at 10:30 p.m., a pyrotechnics show will light up the Gers sky. From 7 p.m., you can taste the offerings of the food trucks present throughout of the event.

Discover the culinary gestures of Roman times
Discover the gestures culinary delights of the Roman era ©Elusa

Through the exhibitors, you will also be able to discover Roman gastronomy: with tastings of wines from yesterday and today. On the culinary side, have you heard of garum? It is a salty sauce that was very popular with the Romans in Antiquity (equivalent to nuoc-mâm sauce). For a slightly offbeat and comical immersion, we recommend the theatrical guided tour on Saturday at 5 p.m.: “Arrête ton char Maximus,” a costumed tale about the daily life of a Roman family.

Meeting at the Domus de Cieutat, one of the three ancient sites of Elusa
Meeting at the Domus de Cieutat, one of the three ancient sites of Elusa ©Elusa
Practical Info
Date : July 20 to July 21
Times: Continuous activities from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Domus de Cieutat, archaeological site
Address: Allée Julien Laudet 32800 Eauze
Price: 1-day pass: Adult: €9 - 6-17 years old: €5 - 2-day pass: Adult: €14 - 6-17 years old: €7 (passes are free for children under 6)
Contact: Tel: 05.62.09.71.38 - Email: contact@elusa.fr
Email / Website: https://www.elusa.fr/
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