Guerras Cantabras

Two thousand years ago the north-central coast of Spain (Cantabria, Asturias and part of Leon) was inhabited by Celtic tribes. Roman troops were sent to conquer them in 29 BC and the war pursued until 19 BC when the barbarians finally surrendered.

Every August/September there is a reenactment of this war in Santander and surrounding Cantabrian and Asturian areas. They began last weekend with the disembarkment of "Roman" soldiers in Santander and a parade of different Roman regiments. Next weekend there will be another parade in Santander with Cantabrians too.

During the week in Los Corrales de Buelna there are Roman circuses, theater and other shows. A whole town is set up, half based on a Cantabrian town and the other half on a Roman town. People dress up according to whether they are Romans or Cantabrians for the week and spend their time socializing, eating and drinking. It really is a treat.