The Association for Preservation of Tradition VIA ANTICA proudly presents the ”Roman Festival Constantine the Great“, a unique cultural and historical event dedicated to celebrating the rich Roman heritage of the ancient city of Naissus, today’s Niš. Following the successful first edition held in 2025, the festival returns from 29 May to 31 May 2026, taking place at the historic Niš Fortress and the renowned Archaeological Park Mediana.

This three-day festival combines authentic Roman historical reconstructions with modern entertainment, creating one of the most distinctive cultural events in Serbia and the Balkans. Designed for visitors of all generations, the festival offers a dynamic journey back in time through history, art, education, and interactive experiences.

The festival is held in the birthplace of one of the most important Roman emperors – Constantine the Great, born in ancient Naissus. Constantine is remembered as the first Roman emperor to legalize Christianity through the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, forever changing the course of European and world history. His reign marked a new era of political stability, cultural development, and the rise of early Christian civilization.

Ancient Naissus was one of the key military, administrative, and commercial centers of the Roman Balkans. The city was closely connected with the legendary VII Legio Claudia Pia Fidelis, one of the most distinguished Roman legions responsible for defending the Danube frontier and strengthening Roman influence across the provinces of Moesia and Dacia. Their presence played a crucial role in the urbanization and development of the region, leaving a lasting legacy that shaped the identity of ancient Naissus.

Visitors will experience spectacular Roman parades, legionary battles, gladiator fights, swordsmanship performances, wrestling demonstrations, and archery tournaments performed by international Roman reenactment groups. The festival will also feature Roman fashion presentations, artistic performances, educational lectures, and interactive sessions where visitors can learn more about Roman history, culture, and everyday life.

For those seeking hands-on experiences, the festival offers pottery workshops, Roman costume trials, children’s training camps, creative activities, treasure hunts, surprise games, and photo booths to capture unforgettable memories. Guests will also be able to enjoy a wide selection of food, traditional drinks, wines, and beer in specially designed relaxation areas throughout the venue.

Music will play an important role in creating the festival atmosphere, blending sounds inspired by the Roman era with Serbian classics and international music, making the event enjoyable for both local and international visitors.

One of the festival’s highlights is the special social media contest open to all visitors. Participants will be invited to dress in Roman-inspired costumes, take photos at selected historical locations around the city center, and share them online by tagging the festival pages. Selected winners will receive gifts, free vouchers, and festival souvenirs.

Throughout the venue, guides and volunteers will be available to assist visitors and provide information about the festival program and historical significance of the locations. Every guest will leave with memorable experiences and symbolic souvenirs such as bookmarks, magnets, and other gifts commemorating the spirit of ancient Naissus.

Through the combination of history, culture, tourism, and education, VIA ANTICA aims to establish the Roman Festival “Constantine the Great” as one of the leading international festivals of ancient history in the Balkans, promoting Niš as a city of exceptional Roman heritage and European cultural importance.

The festival is open to everyone, and entry is free. Visitors are welcome to join us anytime during the festival from 29 May to 31 May 2026 and become part of an unforgettable journey into the world of ancient Rome.