Tarragona is transported back to its Roman origins with the 27th edition of Tarraco Viva, the international festival dedicated to the historical dissemination of the Roman era. This event offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the history and culture of ancient Tarraco, capital of the Roman province of Hispania Citerior.
For two weeks, the city hosts a wide variety of activities including historical re-enactments, workshops, conferences and shows, all designed to bring the public closer to the daily life, politics, religion and culture of ancient Rome. The festival takes place at Tarragona’s major monuments and historical sites, many of which form part of the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site.
Tarraco Viva has established itself as an unmissable event for lovers of history and archaeology. If you don’t want to miss any of its programme, Shuttle2Sun takes you to Tarragona, with shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Tarragona’s Roman heritage
Tarragona, known in Roman times as Tarraco, was one of the most important cities in Roman Hispania. Its archaeological legacy is exceptional and constitutes one of the most complete and best-preserved complexes on the Iberian Peninsula. Among the most remarkable monuments are the amphitheatre, the circus, the provincial forum, the walls and the aqueduct of Les Ferreres, also known as the Pont del Diable.
The amphitheatre, located by the sea, was built in the 2nd century AD and had a capacity for some 14,000 spectators. Gladiator fights and public spectacles were held there. The Roman circus, on the other hand, was the venue for chariot races and could hold up to 30,000 people. Although a large part of its original structure has disappeared, there are still important remains that allow us to imagine its grandeur.
The walls of Tarraco, built in the 2nd century BC, surrounded the city and had several watchtowers. On the other hand, the Pont del Diable, located about 4 km from the city centre, is an impressive feat of engineering that supplied water to ancient Tarraco.
These and other monuments form part of the archaeological site of Tarraco, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2000 for its historical value and state of conservation.
What does Tarraco Viva consist of?
Tarraco Viva is much more than a cultural festival: it is an educational project that promotes knowledge of the Roman world through accessible, rigorous and participatory activities. Its main goal is to make historical knowledge accessible and engaging, without compromising scientific rigour. This pedagogical approach is reflected in a programme that combines lectures, workshops, recreations, guided tours and shows that allow the public to understand what life was like in ancient Rome.
The essence of Tarraco Viva lies in its ability to faithfully recreate aspects of Roman life, thanks to the collaboration of international historians, archaeologists and historical re-enactment associations. In squares, museums and monumental spaces, activities are held on themes such as family life, the army, trade, leisure and Roman religion.
Remember that Shuttle2Sun offers shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, to get to Tarragona, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
Each edition is structured around a central theme, and in 2025 the focus will be on the Roman plebs, the most numerous yet least known sector of the Empire. Under this approach, the activities will emphasise trades, the popular habitat, daily food and the Roman vision of work.
This approach broadens our understanding of the Roman world beyond emperors and senators, highlighting the role of the popular classes in the construction of the Empire.
Programme of Tarraco Viva
The 2025 edition of Tarraco Viva, from 12 to 25 May, will present an ambitious and diverse programme with more than 400 activities. The festival will be held in many of the city’s heritage sites and cultural centres, such as the amphitheatre, the circus, the city walls, the Forum of the Colony, the National Archaeological Museum and the Seraglio neighbourhood. The activities are aimed at the general public, schools, families and professional groups.
Shows, visits and historical re-enactments
Among the proposals are the historical re-enactments by specialised groups. These performances allow audiences to experience gladiatorial combats, military drills, religious rituals and scenes from domestic life. The nights of Tarraco Viva will also offer special experiences, with evening shows, archaeological cinema, Latin poetry recitals and ancient music concerts.
On the other hand, the guided tours and itineraries of Tarraco Viva 2025 offer a unique opportunity to explore Tarragona’s Roman heritage in an immersive and educational way. Among the outstanding proposals are ‘The Great Forum of Tarraco’; ‘In Umbra Imperii’, for children and families; and ‘Aedificia Aeterna’, a dramatised tour held in the Praetorium and the Roman Circus.
Family plans
Finally, children will also be able to take part in different activities and workshops, where they can learn about Roman craft techniques such as mosaics, Roman games and writing, as well as about classes and trades. Families can also enjoy Roman-themed board games.
Tarraco Viva 2025 consolidates, for yet another year, Tarragona‘s commitment to the rigorous dissemination of its Roman past, offering a singular cultural experience that transforms the city into an open-air history classroom for visitors of all ages. If you want to enjoy all this and more, remember that Shuttle2Sun brings you closer to Tarragona, with shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
