This is the beginning of a new historical cycle in the “Salir Through Time” event, with the period being dedicated to Ancient Rome after many years of presenting a historical recreation of the Middle Ages when Christians and Muslims were contesting each other’s claim to the Algarve.

Ancient Rome, for those who don’t know, is a Latin civilisation founded in the 8th century BC. Originating from the city of Rome on the Italian Peninsula, the Romans expanded across the Mediterranean and became of the largest empires of the ancient world. It’s these times that Loulé council is using as a base to recreate once more in Salir a festival where the town’s streets are transformed into avenues for History to be shared, particularly concerning this ancient civilisation’s presence on national territory. The Algarve isn’t an exception and Vilamoura, with its important vicus found at the Cerro da Vila Archaeological Station, proves the Roman presence well.

Over three days, Salir will fill with rigorously dressed actors wearing clothes of the time period that will also be available for visitors to rent. Places like the Roman villae, the arena which will host gladiator matches, the legion camps, the emperor’s “court” and their guard of honour, dances with “slaves from the Orient,” a Roman market that will sell products usually used at the time, performance art with fire shows, circus or snakes, a Roman funeral, and naturally, a food court with the best gastronomy the Roman period has to offer, such as mingau (a dish based off barley) and grilled meats.

The image of Salir will come to life with red, white, black and golden colours from a powerful décor that will take visitors back to the Roman occupation of Portugal, giving a 1st hand account of the time of the civilisation that shaped our identity in terms of Language, Culture, Architecture, Agriculture and Law.

“Salir Through Time” opens at 7pm on the 21st. Entry for a day is 3€ while tickets are 5€ for the weekend pass.