Braga Romana has been happening for years. In 2026, the city brings the same energy to celebrate the roman heritage and some new additions to the Braga Romana program (including video mapping).
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What to see at Braga Romana 2026 – 20th to 24th of May
Over the course of 5 days, the bustling atmosphere of Roman cities is brought to Braga (or should we say Bracara Augusta, as the Romans would call it).
The event aims to commemorate the early days of what was once the Opulent City of Bracara of Augustus. Bracara Augusta was presumably founded between 16 and 15 BC in the region of the Bracari. The new Imperial City owes its name, Bracara, to the indigenous people who occupied the territory, and the epithet Augusta, in honor of the Emperor who founded it.
The 2026 edition promises a program full of exciting activities for both children and adults. Let’s see what Braga Romana has in store for visitors this year.
The Roman market, the Triumphalis parade and some ceremonies are confirmed to occur in 2026. One of the new additions is the video mapping in Rossio da Sé. It invites the public to a time before the founding of Bracara Augusta, when the territory was inhabited by the Bracari and marked by hillforts, ancient paths, and the first contacts with Rome.
Update: The full program was published today with English translation.
With that said, the confirmed performances are listed in our article below. The organizers have also been confirming some of the performances and workshops on their social media.
Please note that schedules are subject to last-minute changes, so be sure to follow Braga Romana on social media for updates.
Roman Market and House of Meals
Dates and time of the Roman Market (Mercatus Romanus):
- May 20th and 21st – from 10 AM to midnight
- May 22nd and 23rd – from 10 AM to 1AM (dawn)
- May 24th – from 10 AM to 10 PM
Markets were one of the most important aspects of life in the cities of the Roman Empire. Merchants came to Bracara Augusta from all corners of the Empire to display and sell a wide variety of goods.
The market was also a meeting place for different cultures and sharing of knowledge.
This year, the Mercatus Romanus (Roman market), offers a wide variety of items for visitors to purchase, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, flower crowns, stonework, leather goods, and food. Artisans show their craft to passing visitors, including leatherworking, pottery, metalworking, stone carving or woodworking.
Also, you will find a vibrant selection of stalls recreating the culinary world of ancient Roman life.
There are many different types of drinks, from refreshing herbal infusions, rich liqueurs to mead (traditional alcoholic drink).
Visitors can taste a wide range of meats, including chicken, duck, pork, smoked sausages, and cured meats. Flavors are enriched with aromatic herbs and spices including garlic, bay leaf, honey, rosemary, and pepper. The stalls also showcase fruits such as figs, grapes, nuts and dates.
House of Meals/Taverns (Domus Ciborum / Tabernae)
- May 20th and 21st – from 11 AM to midnight
- May 22nd and 23rd – from 11 AM to 1 AM (dawn)
- May 24th – from 11 AM to 11 PM
At the taverns, visitors can enjoy some of these flavors for lunch or dinner. From simple snacks to the most elaborate dishes inspired by Roman cuisine or based on Roman recipes.
Triumphal Procession
Date: May 22nd (at 9:30 PM) – around various points in the historic city center
One of the highlights is the TRIUMPHAL PROCESSION or Triumphalis Parade. In this majestic procession, full of music, dance and performances, visitors can witness the grandeur of Ancient Rome brought back to life!
Legionaries, senators, gladiators, dancers, priests, musicians, and mythological figures parade through the historic streets of Braga in a vibrant celebration of the city’s Roman heritage.
During the Roman Republic, triumphs honored the generals. Then, with the dawn of the Roman Empire, the triumphs were dedicated to the reigning emperor.
Relive these ancient celebrations as the processions fill the streets with colorful costumes and music. Drums and incense are also there to help you immerse in the atmosphere of ancient Bracara Augusta.
Opening Ceremony
Apart from the Triumphalis Parade, you’ll find many spectacles, ceremonies and streets full of music.
Everything starts on May 20th. The official opening ceremony is happening in the Town Hall Square (Praça do Município) at 10:30 AM.
Schools, school centers, associations and institutions participate in this iconic ceremony, celebrating the reopening of doors to the Roman past.
Confirmed Ceremonies and Performances 2026
On May 20th at 9:30 PM, there will be a new historical recreation where fire meets the ancient chants. Ritus Bracarus is an intense and immersive show that tells the story of a community affected by a calamity. Because of this, the young priestess accepts the fate decreed by the gods, while her brother is torn between faith and his blood ties. Watch the performance in the town’s square (Praça do Munícipio).
If you like fire performances, there’s a couple more in Rossio da Sé, called Quattuor Elementorum Ritus:
- May 20th and 21st – at 11 PM
- May 22nd and 23rd – at midnight
- May 24th – at 10:10 PM
According to early announcements, one of this year’s performances is HOSPITIUM – pact of hospitality at 9:30 PM (May 21st), taking place in the Praça do Município. The historical reenactment transports the audience to a time of alliances and rituals between communities.
Another confirmed ceremony is the Dies Lustricus, a purification ceremony. In this purification ceremony, the baby is introduced to the community and receives its name, as well as an amulet (bulla) to protect him from the evil spirits into adulthood. It will happen in the town square (Praça do Município) on May 23rd at 4PM.
Additionally, the Roman Wedding has been confirmed! On May 24th, at 5 PM, a couple will be getting married with all the Roman traditions and rituals. It is a beautiful ceremony to watch in Praça do Município.
At night, a Roman Funeral (Romana Funera) is shown by actors. Romans followed the ritual of laying out the body for public viewing, and organized a funeral procession (May 24th, Starting at 9:00 PM at Rossio da Sé, followed by a procession to Praça do Município, where the ceremony will continue at 9:30 PM).
Finally, in Largo Paulo Orósio, you’ll find a Roman Military Camp (Castra VI Victrix) where you can discover the daily life of legionary (Roman soldier) and learn about the admiration and care shown towards animals (e.g.eagle, horses). (same schedule as Roman market).
Check out their social media for more recent news and programs.
Tips for the Braga Romana
- Wear comfortable shoes so you can explore the Roman fair comfortably.
- Go early. The historic center of Braga gets very crowded, especially in the evenings. Visiting in the morning or early afternoon lets you explore the Roman market, performances, and streets more comfortably.
- Try the Roman-inspired food. There are plenty of food stalls recreating ancient-style dishes. Don’t expect strict historical accuracy, but do enjoy grilled meats, bread, wine, and sweets in a fun, themed way.
- Check the schedules. If you don’t want to miss any performance, see the program (link at the start of this article).
- Bring cash. Some stalls and smaller vendors may not accept cards.
- Visit Roman ruins. In true roman spirit, visit the thermal bath ruins and learn more about the Roman influence on Braga in D.Diogo de Sousa Museum.
- If you want to really immerse yourself in the Roman celebrations, you may dress accordingly. Contact projectohomembraga or visit them in Rua do Alcaide, n.º 29-31, 4700-024 Braga.
On May 22 and 23, TUB (Braga Buses) will offer a special transport service between certain locations and downtown/city center, so you can enjoy Roman Braga without worrying about parking.
📍 Available transfer points: Municipal Stadium, Minho Center, and E.Leclerc (between 8:00 PM and 1:00 AM). Round-trip fare for just €1.
⏱️ Every 5 minutes. See the map here. For more information, contact the organizers.
Have fun in Braga Portugal and embrace your Roman Empire!
Learn more about the history of Portugal.
