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Editor
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15 April, 2026
The 9th Roman Festival of Écija and the 10th Gastronomic Tour “Tapas Like the Romans” will take place from Thursday, April 16, to April 19. An event celebrating the Roman legacy of this Seville town, featuring guided tours, workshops, and a wide range of culinary activities.
The City Council’s Department of Culture and Tourism is reviving this cultural event, which aims to highlight and promote the history of Écija.
Apicius’ Feast: What Did Ancient Rome Taste Like?
Various restaurants will participate in this tenth gastronomic tour, offering tapas based on recipes from the Roman era.
In other words, the event will allow attendees to sample dishes just like the ancient Romans. These creations incorporate ingredients and recipes from the historic volume by Apicius, and the chefs have been advised by archaeologists for this purpose. Those interested can enjoy them starting Thursday, the 16th.
Some of the dishes to look forward to include the bread pudding with raisins, spices, and nuts from Catrines Tequila&Taco Bar, or the toast with pork loin, melted cheese, and caramelized onions offered at Bar Gallito 20.
Editorial credit: RICARDO ALGAR / Shutterstock.com
Program: four days of total immersion in the Roman Festival of Écija
The Écija Roman Festival will run for four days, kicking off with a tasting of products inspired by Roman cuisine on Thursday the 16th at 8:30 p.m.
Although the activities in the festival program are free of charge, space is limited, and advance reservations are required to attend.
You can register in person at the Écija Tourist Office, via email (turismoecija@ecija.org), or by phone at 955 90 29 33.
A historical scavenger hunt
The opening ceremony will take place at the Municipal History Museum at 8:00 p.m.
A historical scavenger hunt for children is scheduled for Friday, April 17, at 6:00 p.m. in the Plaza de la Constitución. The day continues with the “Stucco and Senses” activity at the Las Ninfas restaurant, which will include a toast.
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Saturday, April 18: the grand parade and the ‘Roman Chef’ workshop
Saturday is one of the busiest days of the festival and includes two major activities:
At 11:00 a.m., the guided tour ‘From the Wealth of the Land to Power in the City: Astigi and Its Evergetes’will begin. It will run until 1:00 p.m. and depart from the archaeological site at Plaza de Armas.
At the same time, the Museum will host the ‘Roman Chef’ workshop, where participants will make their own Roman bread.
Additionally, at 11:30 a.m., Dr. Sergio García-Dils will deliver the lecture “Amphora Seals: Potters and Oil Producers in Colonia Augusta Firma.”
Saturday’s program culminates with one of the most anticipated events: the Roman Festival parade. Starting at 12:30 p.m., it will wind its way through the city from Plaza de España to the Municipal History Museum.
Gladiator Fight in Plaza de España
On Sunday, Saturday’s program will be repeated, along with additional activities and an afternoon surprise.
Thus, the rustic experience ‘Olive Oil, Olive Trees, and Roman Legacy’ will take place, featuring a visit to the Coesagro oil mill and an olive oil tasting at 11:00 a.m. Additionally, the Historical Museum will host the workshop‘The Light of the Empire’ from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., ideal for families.
Specifically, the festival will conclude at 6:30 p.m. with the historical reenactment ‘Munus Gladiatorium’ in Plaza de España
A live gladiator fight in the style of ancient Rome.
Dining and Cooking