Time travel is not possible, at least for now. But what if we told you, you can travel in time on your next visit to Croatia? All antiquity-lovers might be interested in what the largest town in Istria offers each summer!
The Days of Antiquity - Pula Superiorum is a huge cultural event that is very significant for the region of Istria. This
impressive festival has been organised for
almost 20 years now and it presents the famous Roman history in the most
authentic way.
It takes place on the most famous historical spots in
Pula and it is held on Fridays and Saturdays only, during the months of May and June. The incredible program is
repeated each weekend so visitors have enough time to attain it. It combines
education and entertainment through music, dance, theatre, gastronomy and history, making sure each spectator dives in to the astonishing
roman way of living.
When you walk the
enchanting streets of Pula, you will notice the remains of
rich roman heritage almost on every step. The trademark Pula is most known for, is for sure one magnificent monument -
the Amphitheatre. The main event of the festival is happening there. Other spots where the program is happening are the
Roman Square Forum, the area in front of the
Temple of Augustus and the
Town Hall.
On all these locations, visitors will learn more about the Roman Empire through
intriguing performances and scenery. Society in ancient Rome was hierarchical and the festival’s organisers do their best to present it through different
workshops, art exhibitions, open theatre performances and trade presentations. The clothing of each actor is very detailed; make up, jewellery, hair styles, togas, and footwear will make you feel like you walked into some
Hollywood movie set. The people representing craftsmen, use replicas of the tools which ancient Romans used when they were making items. Everything is
carefully conceptualised, as the goal is to present
everyday life in Roman society, in the most authentic way. No wonder this event has an extraordinary tourist significance, also for the promotion of Istria.
To get a better picture of what you can experience, let us give you a tour of the festival. In 2019 a
big roman wedding was organised for the first time, where all viewers could see the rituals and ceremonies that happen before the wedding ceremony. The preparation of the bride and groom, dances, songs, entertainment and all the preparatory ceremonies. Since the Romans were
famous for celebrations and hedonism, the wedding ceremony ended with an
extensive roman feast.
Every year the organisers make sure
all age groups can benefit from the festival, so there are workshops, food and souvenirs you can try and buy at any point of time. Usually there is a Roman breakfast, where you can taste some
delicacies prepared the roman way. At the workshops you can learn for example how to make
jewellery, soaps, scents or mosaic. Little visitors can take part in a
school for little gladiators, different ancient-crafts workshops and watch children’s plays. They are held during the day on different locations. across old town. The adult plays are performed in the evenings at the Roman Square Forum, in front of the Temple of Augustus or the Town Hall. You can see ancient dances, roman instrument performers, also
enjoy famous dramatic and humorous sketches.
Don’t be surprised to see some
craftsmen while walking the ancient streets of Pula, such as
stonemasons and blacksmiths. You can see them using
ancient tools, while making items like stone vessels or the
famous gladiator sword called the “gladius”. At any point you can walk up to them and ask questions, take pictures, or maybe
try to make something on your own.
If you stay in
Pula during the Days of Antiquity, you will also see
fully equipped legionaries marching the streets with their leader
Centurion. They might look very intimidating at first with their helmets, armours, shields, swords and famous red tunics - but they are super friendly and are
happy to take pictures with spectators at any time.
The main spectacular event -
the gladiator fights, are held in the
Amphitheatre as part of the historical and entertainment program
“Spectacvla Antiqva”. The gladiator actors prepare and train for this manifestation for a full year, so you have the chance to watch them at the
gladiator ceremony, with skills and performance in the same way they did it back in the day. That is one
spectacular sight and for a moment you will have to remind yourself you are actually in the present year.
If any fans of the “Gladiator” movie are reading this,
“The Pula Superiorum” shouldn’t be missed. The festival is a great opportunity to go trough an invisible time capsule and walk the Roman streets in the town of Pula. It is a
family friendly manifestation and will make your visit worthwhile for sure. The whole town fills with music and scents from the past and the old-town’s monuments come to life. If you ever wanted to
experience a piece of history, this is the place to be. Do not hesitate, treat yourself with a vacation in
one of our amazing villas with pool in Pula and we will help you find the best accommodation, so you can cross it off your “to do “ list. Packing for a
new adventure can start!
Sara Vargovic
4.2.2023
MY ISTRIA GUIDE
