This year, the Open Monuments Weekend is entirely devoted to the Caesar festivities. The festivals that are only organized once every 25 years, in Velzeke! They go back to the origins of Belgium. Historical figures were - literally and figuratively - placed on a pedestal. In 1873 Velzeke unpacks with a suit of armor in honor of Julius Caesar. The whole village took to the streets for it, vowing to repeat it every 25 years.

It will be that time again on September 9 and 10. An entire century will enter Velzeke from the Paddestraat to build their camp on the site. Expect drill demonstrations, cavalry shows and  gladiator fights  under the approving eye of Emperor Hadrian. As usual, you can also see some  glassblowers at work who gather from all over the world around our Roman replica oven. Other  craftsmen  settle on and around the Roman square. You can participate in all kinds of  folk games while strengthening your inner man at the drink and food stands. On Saturday evening there is a great folk festival with Celtic music .

You can go for  guided tours  and  demonstrations in the Archeocentrum .

Program

Saturday September 9

1 pm: procession and entry of the Roman legion (via Paddestraat to the AVE)
2 pm: gladiator fight
3 pm: Roman cavalry
4 pm: performance of the Roman legion
5 pm: gladiators
6 pm: cavalry

Sunday September 10

10 am: procession and entry of the Roman legion (via Paddestraat to the AVE)
11 am: gladiators
12 pm: cavalry
1 pm: Roman legion
2 pm: gladiators
3 pm: cavalry
4 pm: Roman legion
5 pm: gladiators

When?

Saturday 9 September 13h00-....
Sunday 10th September 10h00-18h00

Where?

The traffic-free zone on the Roman Square and the Penitentenlaan, and the Archeocentrum with accompanying heritage site along the Doolbosweg.