Aquafest – become a Roman for three days

(Photo: Varaždinske Toplice Tourist Board)

BECOME ROMANS FOR THREE DAYS – ROMAN PARADES, CONCERT BY ZVJEZDAN RUŽIĆ, AND VISUAL ATTRACTIONS BY THE GROUP TRAUMATIC ARTS

Where to spend the weekend? Are you a nature lover, attracted to cultural content and a return to the past? We have just described part of the program that will take place from June 7th to 9th in Varaždinske Toplice. 

The Varaždinske Toplice Tourist Board and the Varaždinske Toplice Homeland Museum, with the support of the City of Varaždinske Toplice, are organizing a three-day event, Aquafest, in a Roman atmosphere, just as it once was.

(Photo: Varaždinske Toplice Tourist Board)

The three-day event starts with an professional event on Friday morning, where a large investment cycle in continental spas in Croatia will be presented, enriching the wellness and spa offerings. Entry to the event is free, and it’s open to the public.

(Photo: Varaždinske Toplice Tourist Board)

The afternoon is reserved for children’s workshops from 4 to 7 PM. The archaeological site, the former baths, is an ideal open stage, attracting the attention of archaeologists, historians, and visitors alike. 

Visitors will learn more about ancient times from expert guides during a free tour from 6 to 7 PM. The evening program, under the stars, begins at 9 PM with a parade of Roman legionnaires by torchlight.

After the legionnaire battles, a vivid scene of a sacrifice to the goddess Diana Luna will be performed by beautiful nymphs, while Traumatic Arts Show will complete this dynamic day with silk dancing and gentle music.

(Photo: Varaždinske Toplice Tourist Board)

Saturday morning from 10:30 AM brings the traditional parade of Romans and nymphs, showcasing their costumes in a walk to the ancient site. 

There, they will offer sacrifices to the gods, accompanied by a display of the legions. Simultaneously, more groups will begin to compete in preparing the “Roman cauldrons” you’ll easy find them by great smell of the food, and children can choose from numerous ancient workshops. 

(Photo: Varaždinske Toplice Tourist Board)

The afternoon will also be dedicated to the little ones, who will become “little Romans,” creating ancient mosaics and dolls and watching two beautiful performances. Boys will cross their swords around 4 PM in the gladiator school. To learn more about Varaždinske Toplice, join the free tour at 3 or 6 PM.

(Photo: Varaždinske Toplice Tourist Board)

Around 7:30 PM, witness the dramatic attempt to seize power by the emperor, centurion, and praetorians – who will come out on top? Come and see live. After the early evening gladiator show, a concert on a magical stage by the ancient temples and spring pool will follow. 

Musician Zvjezdan Ružić, a six-time Status Award winner for best jazz pianist and five-time Porin winner, will present his new project “Let’s disconnect together” from 8:15 PM. The Traumatic ARTS group will ensure a light spectacle after the concert with a fire show.

(Photo: Varaždinske Toplice Tourist Board)

Sunday is reserved for outdoor activities – the race “Following the Paths of the Roman Legionnaires” 3rd Aquae Iassae trail. The race is held over three sections: the first section, CENTURIA, is 4 km and not particularly demanding, suitable for families; the second section, COHORT, is 9.8 km; and the longest, LEGION, is 20.8 km. 

For details on registering for the trail race along the beautiful forest paths, see: https://www.stotinka.hr/hrv/dogadjaj/2226.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/aquafestVT