Every year, Braga Romana transforms the city into a living history museum. From May 22nd to 26th, the streets pulse with ancient Roman life, making it one of the most captivating things to do in Braga. Travelers come from across the globe to experience this unique event. Since making Braga our home, we’ve turned this incredible festival into our family tradition. After three years, it still amazes us. Let me share our experience at one of the most spectacular traditional festivals in Portugal.
The city of Braga
Braga buzzes with history and culture as one of Northern Portugal’s most enchanting cities. Known as the “Rome of Portugal,” this cultural capital of Northern Portugal offers countless things to do in Braga throughout the year. The city captivates visitors with its stunning architecture and vibrant Portugal festivals. During Braga Romana, the ancient city center transforms its charming streets and squares into a living Roman town. For five incredible days, every corner of the historic center comes alive with authentic Roman experiences. History unfolds before your eyes as you wander through the festival grounds.
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Historical context
Braga Romana stands among the most authentic Portugal festivals, celebrating our city’s deep Roman roots. Once known as Bracara Augusta, Braga began as a vital Roman colony in the first century AD under Emperor Augustus. The city flourished as the cultural heart of Gallaecia, a region spanning modern northern Portugal and Spanish Galicia.
Today, this traditional festival in Portugal brings our ancient past to life. Visitors experience authentic Roman ceremonies and dramatic reenactments throughout the historic center. The festival reveals Braga’s significance in Roman history through immersive experiences and entertainment.
Every detail of the celebration reflects careful historical research. From marketplace stalls to gladiator performances, each element stays true to Roman-era authenticity. This attention to detail makes Braga Romana one of the most unique Braga events of the year.
Our festival adventure
Our move to Portugal three years ago happened right before the event, and we had no idea what it was. We assumed it was a small-scale event, but when we sent our kid to school on the first day of the festival, we realised how big it was. Almost all of the children dressed up in Roman clothes and did things with a Roman theme. Robert was disappointed since he wasn’t dressed up, but we were pleasantly delighted to see how significant this event is to the local community. We needed to think quickly, so we hurried to the nearest souvenir shop, purchased a Roman sword, and returned to school to present it to Robert. When he saw it, his face lighted up, and he quickly changed into a fearless little gladiator, ready to take on the playground.
This year, our participation in the event lasted for three days. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to attend even half of the activities and acts planned for the festival. With so many events going on, we were continually concerned that we might miss out on something significant and intriguing that was just around the corner.
The festival transforms the entire city center into an ancient Roman settlement. Buildings wear historical decorations, while citizens and performers dress in period costumes. From marching legionaries to colorful market stalls, every detail creates an immersive journey into the past.
One of the most notable events was the Bracara Augusta Triumphalis, a large procession that drew the biggest crowds. This march ran through the old streets with hundreds of participants. Every local organisation was proud to be part of this show. The mayor and municipal officials also attended, dressed in the extravagant clothes of Roman nobles to emphasise the event’s importance and spirit of cooperation. Everyone in attendance was captivated by the music, dancing, and dramatic acts.
Another highlight was the Actio Condendi Bracaram Augustam, which is the founding ritual of Bracara Augusta. This ritual, held in the Praça Municipal, commemorates the city’s symbolic foundation and includes the lighting of the holy fire by high priests.
One of the most striking scenes was the recreation of the traditional burning of a Roman soldier’s corpse. This performance depicts ancient Roman burial practices, letting viewers fully immerse themselves in the ambiance of the Roman Empire.
Separately, I wanted to bring out the food court. I was prepared to spend the whole five days there, but my family suggested we go beyond the meals. The atmosphere is fantastic. There is a vast assortment of cuisine, including entire roasted pigs on spits and crepes cooked over an open flame. Drinks for all tastes. I can’t imagine the amount of effort and time it would take to taste every option.
The food booths are arranged in Roman style, with sellers dressed in historical clothes, many decorations, and hay bales used instead of seats. The whole area is smokey since practically all of the cuisine is prepared over open flames, resulting in an unforgettable ambiance.
Essential tips for Braga Romana 2025
If you are thinking about visiting Braga Romana 2025, here are a few recommendations to make the most of your experience:
Final thoughts
Why visit Braga Romana?
You know how some festivals just stick with you? Braga Romana is exactly that kind of experience. Every year it amazes me how this whole city transforms into a piece of ancient Rome. And it’s not just the costumes or decorations – it’s the way everyone gets involved, from kids in schools to local shop owners who turn their modern stores into Roman markets. Even city officials and the mayor join in, trading their formal suits for Roman togas during the festival.
Community spirit
I’ve been to quite a few Portugal festivals over the years, but there’s something different about this one. Maybe it’s watching local shopkeepers turn their modern stores into Roman markets, or seeing neighbors you usually just wave to suddenly dressed as senators and warriors. The whole city comes together to create something pretty incredible. Through all the shared moments and celebrations, you really feel connected to both Braga’s ancient past and its living, breathing community.
Plan your visit
If you’re thinking about coming to Braga Romana 2025, I’d definitely suggest booking a place to stay well ahead of time. It’s become one of the most popular things to do in Braga, and hotels fill up fast. And don’t worry too much about planning every minute – sometimes the best moments happen when you just wander around and let yourself get caught up in the atmosphere.
Honestly, whether you love history or just want to try something different in Portugal, the festival spirit will grab you just like it grabbed me. The magic of watching history unfold right before your eyes makes Braga Romana truly special.
City Guide
If you’re planning to visit Braga, whether during Braga Romana or another time of year, you can explore the city’s rich history through a variety of tour options. Check out the recommended tours, many of which include transport from Porto.
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