Welcome to the Roman Market in Rousse!

From May 9 to 11, 2025, the 13th edition of the Roman Festival will be held in Rousse, Bulgaria supported by the #RomansWineDanube project. Its focus is on everyday life, food and nutrition in the time of Antiquity. A market day from the Roman era is presented, with a variety of goods, crafts, farm products and handmade items.

The Roman Festival is held on the territory of the ancient castle "Sexaginta Prista". The name of the fortress translates as "Sixty Ships". It is associated with the time of the end of the first century, when a Roman legion was transferred across the Danube with 60 ships of the "Pristis" type. In honor of the victory, the fortress was also given its name - Sexaginta Prista. On the territory of the site, remains from the Roman period can be seen, parts of the northwestern fortress wall and tower, as well as the headquarters of the military unit - the Principia. The exciting stories about the past of the fortress turn "Sexaginta Prista" into a natural decor for the Roman Festival.

On the territory of the Roman market, tents of local farmers, craftsmen and artisans are located. Guests of the festival will be able to acquire handmade jewelry, cards, magnets and souvenirs made of natural materials or those telling about the ancient fortress. For ladies, beautiful hairstyles from Roman times are planned, lovers of challenges can join tournaments with ancient board games, and younger guests can join various workshops for stringing necklaces from shells or making masks of Roman gods. Those present can reincarnate in the images of Roman legionaries with mail, helmets, shields and swords. Visitors to the Roman market have the opportunity to make ceramics or mint their own coin. An indisputable value and sustainable element in the holding of the Roman Festival is the participation of disadvantaged groups. They are our smiling and talented exhibitors who prepare interesting items all year round to offer to visitors to the Roman Festival.

Tastings of everyday dishes in Antiquity are especially anticipated by everyone. They are prepared from products that existed in the Roman Empire and were used in these lands. Thus, a tasting of fish soup, Roman beer and mint lemonade has been prepared for visitors to "Sexaginta Prista".

During the festival days, guests will see the revived Emperor Vespasian, his retinue, hear his speech and take pictures with him. As in previous years, the First Italian Legion will demonstrate the combat techniques with which Roman legionaries defended conquered territories, taught their youth the art of war, captured and transported slaves.

Welcome to the Roman market in Rousse!

We will be waiting for you!