Cartagena's calendar is one of Spain's most theatrical. Every September the whole city becomes an ancient battleground for the Carthaginians and Romans (Cartagineses y Romanos) — ten days of costumed armies, a Roman circus, the wedding of Hannibal and a huge closing parade. Its Semana Santa is a Festival of International Tourist Interest, and each July La Mar de Músicas brings world music to the Roman amphitheatre and the old town.
Day to day there's the big Wednesday street market on the Ribera de San Javier, and the Christmas lights and Three Kings parade in winter. This page keeps the coming days — tonight, this weekend and the week ahead — in one place, updated as events are confirmed.
Cartagena's biggest weekly street market — up to 282 stalls of produce, clothes and household goods on the Ribera de San Javier every Wednesday morning, 8:30am–1:30pm. (Smaller markets run Mondays in Barrio de Peral and Fridays.)
Free entryOutdoorFree
Frequently asked questions
What are the Cartagineses y Romanos in Cartagena?
A ten-day historical re-enactment fiesta each September (18–27 in 2026) in which costumed Carthaginian and Roman armies fill the streets — a Roman circus with gladiators, the wedding of Hannibal and Himilce, mock battles and a grand parade. One of Spain's biggest festivals of its kind.
What day is the Cartagena street market?
The main weekly market is on Wednesday, roughly 8:30am to 1:30pm on the Ribera de San Javier, with up to 282 stalls — the city's largest. Smaller markets run on Mondays (Barrio de Peral) and Fridays.
When is Semana Santa in Cartagena?
The ten days before Easter (late March in 2027) — a Festival of International Tourist Interest, famous for its strikingly ordered, military-precision processions.
What is La Mar de Músicas?
Cartagena's international world-music festival each July, with dozens of concerts across the city (many of them free), each edition built around a guest country.
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