June 13, 2023 – The middle of June in Europe’s oldest city is all about the “Decennalia – Tenth Roman Days in Rimkovci”. All visitors of the festival will have an opportunity to visit a Roman military camp, learn about the ancient way of life, and try Roman specialties.
As SiB writes, all of Vinkovci is preparing for the special 10th edition of Roman Days from June 16 to 18. The Vinkovci Tourist Board is organising this year’s festival under the name “Decennalia – Tenth Roman Days in Rimkovci”. Visitors can expect a traditionally rich program. They will have the opportunity to learn about their way of life in and the influence of Romans on Vinkovci.
“Decennalia means a period of 10 years, and as a festival it began to be celebrated in the Roman Empire in 27 BC. It was when the first Roman emperor Augustus refused lifelong supreme power, insisting that he would only accept power for 10 years. After 10 years he handed power over to the people. However the people, satisfied with his rule, returned the power to him. An impressive performance accompanied the act, which we also plan to present,” said the director of the Tourist Board of the town of Vinkovci, Martina Matković.
RIMKOVCI COMES ALIVE THANKS TO the Community
The entire city is involved in the organization of the Roman Days. “The long and rich history of the oldest European city will come alive again in all its splendor through this unique event that will once again take us back to the time of the ancient Cibalae and our two Roman emperors. Vinkovci will once again be the center of the ancient world.
Legionnaires will march through the city streets, the sounds of gladiator fights and the hustle and bustle of a real Roman fair will resound. In the meantime, all visitors will be able to enjoy the finest delicacies of the era. We are preparing a Roman feast for the visitors, with our caterers and students and professors from the Vinkovci Vocational High School in charge. Family farms will present their products. Finally, there will also be an interesting program for the little ones,” Mayor Ivan Bosančić said.
Vinkovci tourist board official website
Daily Life During Roman Days
The members of the Prima Valentiniana association, who will present the life of the Roman troops, will ensure a real Roman atmosphere. Moreover, the actors Vjekoslav Janković and Petra Blašković sign the entire program this year. “In order to portray life from the time of the Roman Empire as realistically as possible, we studied history books, on the basis of which we have prepared interesting displays of customs.
Actors of the City Theater “Joza Ivakić” Vinkovci will help, together with students of the Academy of Arts and Culture in Osijek. The Croatian National Theater in Osijek also provided support. Just like in the years before, gladiators from Vinkovci and Pula, as well as guests from Zagreb, Italy and Orahovica will be there. They will show the daily life of the Romans as well as the life of the legionnaires. As part of the program, visitors can expect dance and music, and a unique fashion show of ancient Rome. The Vrijedne Ruke Association made the costumes for that event”.
The evening before the official start of the Roman Days is reserved for the Roman Night of Wine. It will take place in the beautiful setting of Šokački Stan. In addition, on Friday and Saturday evening, the bands Adastra and Soulfingers will be there to ensure good fun.
