On May 9th and 10th, the toga-clad citizens of ancient Rome will once again reclaim the former Civil Town of Aquincum. It’s a unique opportunity to experience Budapest’s rich Roman heritage up close and personal!

The event aims to showcase the Ancient Roman lifestyle:

* Historical Reenactments: Displays by Roman military reenactors (legionaries).
* Craft Workshops: Felting, jewelry making, weaving/spinning, and pottery.
* Archaeological and Ancient Crafts: Costume displays, gladiator games, and a bustling historical marketplace.
* Family Activities: "Past-reviving" games designed for both children and adults.

This festival is one of Budapest's oldest and most popular cultural and historical preservation events, taking place on the grounds of the former Aquincum Civil Town.
 

Here is the detailed schedule for the Aquincum Floralia festival, adapted for XpatLoop.com. I have organized the events logically to help readers plan their visit to the ruins.

Detailed Program: Floralia Festival at Aquincum

Step back into the Roman era with this extensive lineup of historical reenactments, workshops, and expert-led tours. Whether you are interested in the grit of the gladiatorial arena or the elegance of Roman beauty rituals, there is something for everyone.

All-Day Activities (10:00 – 17:00/18:00)

* Living History Camps: Weaponry and lifestyle demonstrations (10:00–18:00).
* Trial of Bravery & Family Adventure Games: Engaging challenges for children and adults.
* Ancient Crafts: Live demonstrations by a calligrapher, mosaic maker, and painter.
​​​​​​​* Roman Beauty: Discover Roman fashion, hairstyling, and skincare secrets.
​​​​​​​* Roman Market: Traditional wares and artisanal goods for sale.
​​​​​​​* Campona Victrix: Special exhibition booth from the MNMKK Archaeological Site.
​​​​​​​* Street Music: Antique-style wandering musicians performing throughout the ruins.
​​​​​​​* Craft Workshops: Hands-on activities available with a "craft ticket" (available until 16:00).

Morning Schedule

10:00 – 10:45: Herbal Walk – A guided look at ancient medicinal plants.
10:15 – 11:00: Stone upon Stone – Archaeological tour of the Lapidarium with Dr. József Beszédes.
10:15 – 11:00: Grains Through the Ages – Presentation by the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture.
11:00 – 11:30: Opening Ceremony: Festival procession and ritual sacrifice in honor of the Goddess Flora.
11:45 – 12:30: Women’s Fates – Tales from the lives of Roman women with Dr. Gabriella Fényes.
11:45 – 12:45 (Sat only): Guided tour of the "Sarmatians Next to Aquincum" exhibition.
11:45 – 12:15 (Sun only): Atalanta – Ancient Greek myths of a brave warrior girl.
12:00 – 12:30: Ancient Olympics.

Midday & Highlights

12:00 – 13:00 (Sunday only): Step Back in Time: Guided tour of Aquincum life conducted in English.
12:30 – 13:00: Latin Crash Course – Learn basic Latin phrases for modern use.
12:45 – 13:15: Germanic Reenactment – Combat and lifestyle of the northern tribes.
13:00 – 13:30: Pandora’s Box – An archaeological look inside a Roman wardrobe.
13:00 – 13:20: The Goddess and the Drum – A history of female drumming.
13:30 – 14:00 (Sun only): Myths of Hermes – Stories of the trickster messenger of the Gods.
13:30 – 14:15: Gladiator Show: High-stakes combat by the Familia Gladiatoria.

Afternoon Schedule

14:00 – 17:00: Henna body art and prophecies from the Priestess of Isis.
14:00 – 15:00: Roman Latrines – A cultural history of Roman sanitation with Dr. Gabriella Fényes.
14:25 – 15:00: Roman Legionary Demonstration.
14:30 – 15:15: Scents of Antiquity – Discover the secrets of Roman perfumes.
15:00 – 15:30 (Sun only): Birds in Archaeology – A special presentation for Birds and Trees Day.
15:00 – 15:45: Mythical Puppet/Story performances (Phaedrus tales on Saturday; Nymphs and Fauns on Sunday).
15:30 – 16:00: Slave Auction: An interactive look at Roman social hierarchy.
15:30 – 16:15: The Mysteries of Mithras – Facts and riddles regarding this ancient cult.
15:45 – 16:30: Colonia Splendidissima – A walk through the "shining city" with Dr. Orsolya Láng.
16:00 – 16:45: Gladiator Show: The afternoon games by the Collegium Gladiatorium.
16:00 – 16:30: Latin Crash Course (Second session).
17:00 – 17:15: Grand Finale: The Clash between Barbarians and Romans.
17:30 – 19:00 (Sat only): The Apology of Socrates – A theatrical performance in the ruins.

Craft Tickets: Participation in craft workshops requires a separate ticket, available at the info point while stocks last.​​​​​​​

Open:
Saturday–Sunday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

More: 
aquincum.hu
1031 Budapest, Szentendrei út 135

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