The Astures and Romans Festival, held annually in Astorga, Spain, during the last weekend of July, is a remarkable historical reenactment that transports the city back to its origins as the Roman settlement of Asturica Augusta. This vibrant celebration of the region’s ancient past has grown from a modest commemoration into one of Spain’s most significant historical festivals. Today, it engages some 20% of Astorga’s population through the dedicated efforts of the Astures and Romans Association, a popular organisation that orchestrates a rich programme of events, blending historical authenticity with community spirit.
Article's index
From a single circus to a citywide reenactment
The festival’s origins date back to 1986, when a Roman circus was staged in the Plaza de San Roque to mark the bimillennial of Astorga’s founding. This initial event, featuring athletic competitions, gladiator fights, and chariot races, proved so popular that it became an annual tradition, evolving over time to incorporate the region’s Astur heritage. By 2004, the festival adopted its current name, Astures y Romanos, and expanded to include Astur tribes alongside Roman legions, reflecting the historical tensions of the Astur-Cantabrian Wars. The establishment of the Astures and Romans Association formalised the involvement of local residents, who now number over 2,000 members—approximately 20% of Astorga’s 10,000 inhabitants—actively participating in organising and performing in the festival’s diverse activities. This level of community engagement has ensured the event’s growth and fidelity to historical detail, with reenactors representing up to 20 Asturian tribes and 26 Roman groups.
Gladiatorial skirmishes and the Roman Circus
Among the festival’s highlights are its dramatic reenactments, which bring the martial spirit of ancient Asturica Augusta to life. The Munera Gladiatoria, a street performance of gladiatorial combat, captivates audiences in the clangour of the Plaza Mayor. These exhibitions, introduced in 2013, feature skilled reenactors clad in authentic Roman gladiator attire, engaging in choreographed battles that evoke the intensity of ancient arenas. The Great Astur-Roman Circus, held in Astorga’s bullring, remains the festival’s centrepiece, a tradition rooted in the event’s 1986 origins. This spectacle pits Astur and Roman teams against each other in a series of athletic and skill-based contests, including chariot races and litter-carrying competitions, cheered on by thousands of spectators. The circus, relocated to the bullring in 1996, transforms the venue into a vibrant amphitheatre, showcasing the competitive camaraderie between the two historical factions.
Parque del Melgar: a living time capsule
The heart of the festival lies in Parque del Melgar, where, since 2005, an expansive Astur settlement and Roman camp are meticulously recreated. This immersive encampment, home to over 1,000 reenactors during the festival, offers visitors a vivid portrayal of life 2,000 years ago. The camp features authentic pallozas (traditional Astur dwellings) and Roman-style domus, complete with fortified gates, a watchtower, and public baths, all open for exploration. The Astures and Romans Association coordinates a variety of activities within the camp, including children’s workshops on ancient crafts like weaving and coin-making, alongside exhibitions, which showcase Roman and Astur artefacts and traditions. These educational and interactive elements, combined with live music, falconry displays, and theatrical performances like the Astur Wedding and Night of Druids, create a dynamic environment that celebrates the cultural heritage of both peoples.
A community-driven celebration
The Astures and Romans Festival stands as a testament to Astorga’s pride in its historical roots and the power of community collaboration. The Astures and Romans Association, with its over 2,000 members, ensures that each event—from gladiatorial clashes to the bustling camp in Parque del Melgar—is executed with historical accuracy and infectious enthusiasm. This extraordinary level of local involvement, encompassing one in five residents, has elevated the festival into a cultural cornerstone of León, drawing over 30,000 visitors annually. Whether witnessing the spectacle of the Roman Circus, exploring the ancient encampment, or joining in the festivities of a city transformed, visitors to Astorga’s Astures and Romans Festival are invited to step into a living history that honours the legacy of Asturica Augusta.