‘Complutum Renacida’ Festival

At the end of April, Alcalá de Henares changes its usual appearance for a few days. The city returns to its Roman past and fills with the life that bustled here almost two thousand years ago. The Complutum Renacida festival once again takes residents and visitors back to the time when ancient Complutum stood in this place.

From 30 April to 3 May, the grounds of the archaeological complex and the space beside the ancient walls become part of a great historical spectacle. A market is set up with craft stalls and simple but expressive gastronomy. Jewellery, ceramics, leather goods, aromatic blends, wooden toys and products made to ancient recipes come together in one place, creating the feeling of a complete world.

On specific days, a Roman military camp opens. There, visitors are shown what the lives of legionaries were like, how training took place and how combat formations were organised. Movements familiar to us from illustrations can be seen, but here they take on a real form and dynamism.

Photo by facebook.com/turismoalcala.es

Photo by facebook.com/turismoalcala.es

The programme also includes gladiator fights. They are held in small arenas and in a specially created space that evokes Roman spectacles. The performances are accompanied by narratives that help explain who the participants in these fights were and what place they occupied in the life of society.

In addition, small theatrical performances, classes and workshops take place in different parts of the historic centre. Here, visitors learn about the Romans' everyday customs, see rites and hear the foundations of writing explained. It is also possible to take part in craft workshops. For children there are playful tours and creative activities, making participation in the festival an accessible and appealing way to engage with history.