Arde Lucus facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Arde Lucus
Date(s)	Last weeks of June
Frequency	Annual
Location(s)	Lugo, Spain
Inaugurated	2001
Fiesta of International Tourist Interest
Designated	2023

Arde Lucus (also written as Arde Lvcvs) is a fun festival in Lugo, Spain. It happens in the last weeks of June every year. The festival brings back the ancient Roman and Castro times of the city. It started in 2000 to celebrate Lugo's Roman walls becoming a World Heritage Site. In recent years, nearly half a million people have visited this exciting event.

History of Arde Lucus

This festival helps people imagine what ancient Lucus Augusti was like in the 3rd century. It began in the year 2000 and has become more popular each year. More and more people dress up in Roman and Castro clothes for the event. In 2009, about 460,000 people took part. This brought about 10 million euros to the city.

The city council gets help from many groups to make the festival happen. These groups perform in many activities. Some of these groups are Cohors III Lucensium, Terra Copora, Ludlum, Tir Nan'og, and Trebas Galaicas. The first group made only for women was the Assemblearias de Lucus Augusti. It was started in 2012 by Dr Cristina Arias Rey and 10 other women. Pilar Arias is the current leader of this group.

Fun Activities at Arde Lucus

All the activities at Arde Lucus mix Lugo's Roman past with traditions from the Celts. The Celts were allowed to perform some of their customs inside the city walls. Here are some of the main events:

Military Camps

These are special camps set up by visitors or groups. People staying in the camps must dress up in old-style clothes. They also use objects from that time. In the last festival, the camps were inside Lugo's Roman walls. Each camp can host its own shows and activities. Everyone is welcome to visit these camps. They can be either Roman or Castro themed.

Celtic Weddings

Couples who want to can get married in an ancient Celtic way. This special union lasts until the next year. Then, the couple can choose if they want to renew their marriage. The woman makes the decision to renew it. If a couple renews their marriage for seven years in a row, their union will last forever. After the wedding, each couple gets a wedding certificate.

Macellum: The Artisan Market

This is a market where you can find all kinds of Roman goods. You can also watch magic shows, juggling, and listen to music here. It's a lively place to explore.

Roman Circus Shows

The Roman circus takes place in the "Parque de Rosalía." This park is close to the city's old center. You can see ancient Roman activities here. These include exciting gladiator fights. There are also chariot races, just like in the old Roman circuses.

The Burning of the City Walls

This show recreates a siege of the Roman city. You can see fights between different groups and volunteers. There is also a big fireworks display. It's a very dramatic and exciting event.

Comilonum: The Big Banquet

This is a huge outdoor feast. Tables are set up all around the Roman wall. In 2009, this event was changed to "Tabernae." That was a diner located in the Praza da Soidade.

Other Exciting Events

Besides these main events, there are many other activities. These include:

• Bacchanalia celebrations
• Building statues
• Magic shows
• Fancy dress parades
• Contests for Roman clothes
• Old Roman games
• Recreated battles between Romans and Celts
• Gladiator fights
• Roman weddings
• Military training in the streets
• Music and dance shows
• Parades

All these activities help everyone remember Lugo's rich Roman and Castro past.

See also

In Spanish: Arde Lucus para niños