Fancy a trip back in time?
Pula is currently hosting a massively popular manifestation called Days of Antiquity, inspired by the good ol’ ancient Romans who used to rule this splendid city on the Istrian coast 2000 years ago.
In recent years, Days of Antiquity have always been organised as a three-day manifestation taking place at various locations in the city. This time around, they’re switching it up a bit: the 2018 edition will take place on five separate days, always on Friday, from May 11 to June 1. And for the crown jewel, an individual event on June 23 in the magnificent Pula Arena.
Credit: Romulić and Stojčić
Visitors will get to see blacksmiths forging swords and other weaponry, attend gladiator fights (only as spectators, don’t worry), and have an ancient makeover at the skilled hands of a Roman matron. The first event in line started earlier today: the audience attended an ancient Roman play, kids participated in creative workshops, and then they all gathered to see real gladiators and legionaries in action, the costumed actors having performed a riveting training at the ancient Forum.
Forum in Pula / Credit: Martin Kraft, Commons
According to Glas Istre, the new schedule was met with approval of the audience; it’s widely considered the attractive manifestation will be seen by a larger number of locals and tourists in the newly introduced time span. The performers, however, seem to have preferred the former version; the gladiators stated they’d like for the event to take place on three consecutive days. “We just got back from the French city of Nemes, us 9 gladiators from Pula and 500 other participants. Believe it or not, there were 20.000 spectators at the arena. After [such an event], everything else seems small in comparison. We made an appearance in the play ‘Spartans’, it was a truly unique event”, the gladiators said.
However you look at it, Days of Antiquity remain an exceptional manifestation that’s sure to spark interest from the locals and tourists alike. How often do you get to see gladiators in action? You have a five-week time window to plan a trip to Pula – here’s a full schedule of events:
May 11, 18, 25 and June 1 – Forum
10:00 – 10: 30
Ancient Roman play
10:30 – 11:00
Children’s workshops
11:30 – 12:00
Gladiator and legionary practice
19:00 – 21:00
Ancient makeover at the Roman matron’s corner
20:15 – 20:30
Gladiator and legionary practice
20:30 – 21:00
Ancient Roman Play
June 23 – Arena
10:00 – 10:30
Ancient Roman play
10:30 – 11:00
Children’s workshops
11:30 – 12:00
Gladiator and legionary practice
17:30 – 18:30
Ancient makeover at the Roman domina’s corner
18:30 – 19:00
Ancient Roman Play
You can find more information about Days of Antiquity here.
