Spanish towns revive Roman gladiator festivals

Astorga staged the XI Munera Gladiatora, a Roman‑style arena event held in the Plaza Mayor as part of the Astures y Romanos celebrations. The programme began with a street parade, followed by reenacted gladiator combats, demonstrations of ancient weaponry and explanations of Roman combat roles. Organisers emphasized historical accuracy and the festival attracted a large audience, reinforcing Astorga’s reputation as a national centre for historical recreation.

In the nearby village of Las Regueras, the Villa Romana de San Martín de La Estaca hosted theatrical open‑day visits. Around one hundred visitors, many children, took part in workshops covering Roman magic, rituals, writing, cosmetics and soldier equipment. Director Juan Ramón Muñiz highlighted the appeal of the military aspect for younger attendees. The day marked the conclusion of a week‑long series of open‑door events organised by the Amigos de la Villa Romana association, aimed at bringing the public closer to the archaeological site and its ongoing excavations.