Festivals in Cartagena

Local festivals in Cartagena

Our Lady of Charity and Viernes de Dolores

Cartagena dedicates its principal civic day to Our Lady of Charity, the city's popular patroness and perpetual mayoress, on Viernes de Dolores. The day combines the first Mass in the Basílica de la Caridad, the historic Onza de Oro and a major floral offering involving neighbourhoods, outlying districts, confraternities, associations, bands and folk groups.

Carthaginians and Romans

Date, duration and usual places. The great historical festival occupies ten days of the second half of September. The Festive Camp, the Town Hall, the port, the Cuesta del Batel, the historic centre and archaeological settings host recreations and parades. The Virgin of Charity, patron saint of Cartagena, is celebrated separately on Friday of Sorrows.

Traditions and participation. The Lighting of the Sacred Fire, the Foundation of Qart Hadasht, the Wedding of Hannibal and Himilce, the landing, the battle, the Roman Senate, the parade and the Extinguishing of the Fire articulate the recreation of the Second Punic War. More than 6.000 festeros of troops and legions, the Federation, City Council, collaborating entities, families and visitors.

See also the general guide to Our Lady of Charity festivals in Spain.