Mérida Theatre Festival: a date with the classics

Summer after summer, the works of the great Greco-Latin authors come to Spain at the Mérida Classical Theatre Festival. The city’s spectacular Roman Theatre, which has the UNESCO World Heritage designation, recovers its original role once again, becoming the magical stage for one of the most important European festivals in the genre.

Would you like to see a classical tragedy just as the Romans did 2,000 years ago? If you come to Spain in July and August, you can live this experience in the city of Mérida. This is when this city in the Region of Extremadura, just over three hours by car from Madrid, holds its prestigious Classical Theatre Festival. Since it began in 1933, this theatre event has received more and more international recognition, becoming a vital date, both for the quality of the programmed performances, and for the spectacular setting of the venue.

With the UNESCO World Heritage designation, the stunning Roman archaeological site in Mérida is, without a doubt, a magnificent setting to see performances of the works of great classical authors such as Sophocles, Aeschylus, Homer, Seneca and Plato. When night falls, the emblematic Roman Theatre, the Forum and the Amphitheatre open their doors to the public as they used to do, becoming a magical stage where you can enjoy stories of gods, heroes and warriors once more.

Although classical theatre is the main attraction on the programme, you will also find dance choreographies, opera, performances, open versions and other shows centring on Greco-Latin characters and themes.

This summer, if you want to experience classical art and culture, then come to Spain and head for Mérida. It is an experience you will never forget.