Carthaginians and Romans Cartagena 2026: Complete Guide

For ten days in September, Cartagena becomes more than just Cartagena. 

Hannibal gathers his troops once again, the Roman legions take up their positions and the streets reclaim names such as Qart Hadasht and Carthago Nova. There is no need for much imagination: during Carthagineses y Romanos Cartagena, much of the city takes care of the rest. 

From 18 to 27 September 2026, the Carthagineses y Romanos Festival celebrates its 37th edition, recreating some of the most important episodes of the Second Punic War. More than 6,000 festival participants take part in an event declared of International Tourist Interest, combining historical reenactments, major parades and a vibrant street atmosphere. 

If this is your first time, this guide will help you organise your getaway: what is really worth seeing, which events are the most important, which historical sites to visit to better understand the festival and how to make the most of your stay in Cartagena. 

When is Carthagineses y Romanos 2026 held? 

The Carthagineses y Romanos Festival 2026 will take place in Cartagena from Friday 18 to Sunday 27 September. 

These are ten days during which some of the most important events of the Second Punic War are recreated following a chronological narrative. The story begins with ancient Qart Hadasht and progresses to the Roman conquest of the city in 209 BC. 

This structure is precisely one of the features that makes the celebration special. It is not simply a series of independent parades and events: each day helps you understand the next chapter of the story. 

If you are looking for things to do in Cartagena in September, booking two or three nights during these dates allows you to combine the main festival events with a visit to the city's archaeological heritage. 

What exactly is celebrated at Carthagineses y Romanos? 

To understand the festival, it is worth travelling back several centuries. 

In 227 BC, Hasdrubal founded Qart Hadasht, a city that would eventually become a key stronghold in the Second Punic War. Its strategic position in the Mediterranean made control of Cartagena particularly important for both the Carthaginians and the Romans. 

Hannibal Barca used the city as an important base of operations before launching his campaign towards Rome. Years later, in 209 BC, troops commanded by Publius Cornelius Scipio conquered Qart Hadasht. 

A new period under Roman rule then began, and the city would come to be known as Carthago Nova. 

The festival brings these events to life. 

Names that we normally encounter in museums and archaeological sites reappear in the streets. Hannibal, Himilce and Scipio become part of a reenactment that offers a different way of understanding Cartagena's past. 

If you want to arrive with some context before the battles begin, you can consult our guide to discovering Roman Cartagena. 

What to see at Carthagineses y Romanos 2026? 

If you can spend all ten days in Cartagena, it's easy: comfortable shoes and a willingness to enjoy yourself. 

If you are travelling for a weekend, you will have to choose a selection of events. 

The festival traditionally follows a chronological structure covering different historical events. These are some of the moments worth keeping in mind when organising a getaway to experience Carthagineses y Romanos 2026. 

The Sacred Fire and the Opening Proclamation 

Friday 18 September marks the official start of the festival. 

The Sacred Fire travels through different places connected with Cartagena's past before being ceremonially lit. The Opening Proclamation then takes place, officially marking the beginning of the festivities. 

It is an excellent introduction to Carthagineses y Romanos: the moment when modern-day Cartagena symbolically begins its transformation into Qart Hadasht and Carthago Nova. 

If you arrive that Friday, it is worth keeping the afternoon free so that you can start experiencing the atmosphere from the very beginning. 

The Founding of Qart Hadasht 

The first weekend recreates one of the essential events for understanding Cartagena's history: the founding of Qart Hadasht. 

The reenactment introduces key figures from Punic history and serves as the starting point for many of the events that will be recreated in the days that follow. 

It is especially recommended for those visiting the Cartagena festival in Septemberfor the first time, as it helps provide a better understanding of the historical narrative that unfolds over the following days. 

The Wedding of Hannibal and Himilce 

Another of the best-known moments of Carthagineses y Romanos is the Wedding of Hannibal and Himilce. 

The reenactment recalls the union between the Carthaginian general and the Iberian princess and has become one of the festival's most characteristic scenes. 

The celebration continues afterwards in the festival camp, where troops and legions keep the atmosphere alive well into the night. 

The Carthaginian Landing and Hannibal's Departure 

As the festival enters its final stretch, the story accelerates. 

The arrival of the Carthaginian fleet and Hannibal's preparations before setting out on his expedition towards Rome are recreated. 

Seeing the troops then march through Cartagena helps to understand one of the key features of the festival: the city is not simply a backdrop. It is part of the reenactment itself. 

What is the most important event at Carthagineses y Romanos? 

If you could choose just one of the major events of Carthagineses y Romanos Cartagena, the Battle for the Conquest of Qart Hadasht would be one of the must-see events. 

The troops of Publius Cornelius Scipio face the Carthaginians, recreating the events of 209 BC. 

Military formations, costumes and scenery offer an idea of the enormous amount of work that goes into the festival. 

After the battle comes the Roman victory and the entry of the legions, symbolising the beginning of a new era for the city as Carthago Nova. 

If you want to attend, it is advisable to check the final schedule and access conditions in advance in the official programme, as this is one of the events that usually attracts the largest crowds. 

The Grand General Parade: one of the most spectacular moments 

During the Grand General Parade, Carthaginian troops and Roman legions march through the streets in their finest attire, showcasing the enormous amount of work carried out throughout the year. 

It is one of the most visual events of Carthagineses y Romanos and an excellent option for those visiting Cartagena with their families. 

If you want to watch it comfortably, try to arrive early and find a good spot along the route. Once thousands of festival participants begin marching, moving quickly through the city centre is no longer a realistic option. 

The great Roman circus returns in 2026 

The 37th edition also includes a special attraction. 

In Carthagineses y Romanos 2026, the great Roman circus is scheduled to return to the facilities of Cartagonova Stadium. 

Its return expands the programme of historical reenactments and adds a different proposal for those who already know the festival from previous editions. 

Before including it in your itinerary, always check the final programme to confirm the time, location and access conditions. 

Music during Carthagineses y Romanos 2026 

Although history dominates much of the programme, Cartagena's nights during these dates also make room for music. 

The Estrella de Levante Fest Carthagineses y Romanos 2026 will feature two days of performances. 

On Friday 25 September, Camela will perform alongside Sedo DJ, while Saturday 26 September will feature Siloé, accompanied by other artists. 

It can be a great addition if you visit Cartagena during the second weekend and want to continue the night after the major historical events. 

What is the festival camp and is it worth visiting? 

Yes. In fact, visiting the camp is one of the best ways to understand a fundamental part of Carthagineses y Romanos. 

It is the meeting point for troops and legions and one of the places where the social dimension of the festival is most evident. 

During these days you will find activities, themed settings and events organised by the different festival groups. The atmosphere continues after the major reenactments, allowing you to experience the celebration in a different way. 

If this is your first visit, it is worth setting aside at least one evening to explore it without rushing. 

Can you visit Carthagineses y Romanos with children? 

Carthagineses y Romanos is also a festival that is ideal for enjoying as a family. 

Traditionally, the programme includes activities in which children play a leading role, as well as events that are particularly appealing to them, such as parades and certain reenactments. 

When organising a visit with children, it is best not to try to see everything. 

Combine one of the major events with a walk through the city centre and leave enough time to rest. Festival days can be long and some areas can become very crowded. 

If you want to round off your getaway with other activities, you can consult our plans for enjoying Cartagena as a family. 

What to visit in Cartagena during Carthagineses y Romanos? 

One of the best ways to understand the festival is to visit the places where that history actually took place. 

The Punic Wall is probably one of the best starting points. Its remains belong to the city's ancient defensive system and offer a direct connection with Cartagena's Carthaginian past. 

You can then continue towards the Roman Theatre or the Roman Forum Museum to discover how the city changed during its time as Carthago Nova. 

If you have little time, our guide on what to see in Cartagena in one day can help you organise a route through some of the city's essential sights. 

You can also expand your visit with our article dedicated to the Roman Theatre of Cartagena, one of the city's great archaeological landmarks. 

Visiting these sites during Carthagineses y Romanos is particularly interesting because it allows you to connect the reenactment with the city's actual heritage. 

You can leave a Roman archaeological site and, just a few minutes later, find yourself face to face with a legion marching through the streets. Not a bad way to learn about history. 

How to organise a getaway to Cartagena during the festival? 

September is usually a very pleasant month to visit Cartagena, but during Carthagineses y Romanos the city's usual pace changes. 

The first piece of advice is to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you want to travel during one of the weekends. The festival attracts numerous visitors, and the central days tend to have particularly high demand. 

It is also advisable to check the updated official programme every morning. Some events take place in the city centre, the port or specific areas of the city and may lead to temporary traffic changes. 

For parades and major reenactments, try to arrive early. 

Finding a spot five minutes beforehand may work when you're looking for a coffee. Finding a good place before thousands of Carthaginians and Romans start marching is a different matter. 

And above all, leave room for spontaneity. A getaway during Carthagineses y Romanos works best when you alternate scheduled events with walks through the historic centre or cultural visits. 

How many days do you need to enjoy Carthagineses y Romanos? 

Two or three days are enough for a first visit, although it will depend on which events you want to see. 

A weekend allows you to attend some of the major reenactments, visit the festival camp and set aside a few hours to discover Cartagena's historical heritage. 

If you can extend your stay, you will have more time to alternate the festival with archaeological visits and other activities in the area. 

Where to stay when visiting Carthagineses y Romanos? 

During a large-scale celebration, staying slightly away from the busiest streets can be particularly convenient. 

Posadas de España Cartagena is approximately 5 minutes by car from the old town, next to the A-30, making it easy to access the city and then return to a quieter setting. 

It also offers free outdoor parking, an interesting advantage if you arrive in Cartagena by car and want to adapt your journeys to possible traffic restrictions during the festival. 

If you are travelling with your family, the hotel also has connecting rooms and spaces designed to make your stay more comfortable. 

The idea is simple: let Hannibal and Scipio take care of the battle. You only have to decide which events you want to see. 

What to do in Cartagena after the festival? 

If you have one or two extra days, it is worth taking the opportunity to discover Cartagena at a slower pace. 

You can spend a morning exploring its archaeological heritage at your leisure or taking a walk around the port area. 

You can also combine your city getaway with a few hours by the Mediterranean. From Posadas de España Cartagena, the beaches of La Manga del Mar Menor are approximately 20 minutes away by car. 

After several days among legions, battles and parades, ending your getaway by the sea does not sound like a bad plan. 

Carthagineses y Romanos 2026: September in Cartagena is experienced differently 

You can learn about Cartagena's history by reading about it. You can explore its museums and observe the remains that still lie beneath the city. 

But in September, something different happens. 

During Carthagineses y Romanos 2026, that history symbolically returns to the streets, allowing you to discover Cartagena from a completely different perspective. 

Plan your getaway in advance, check the official programme before travelling and choose the events that interest you most. 

From 18 to 27 September 2026, Qart Hadasht and Carthago Nova meet once again. 

And when the day comes to an end, at Posadas de España Cartagena you can rest and recharge your batteries for the next chapter.