More than a festival. Heritage, identity and social cohesion through Arde Lucus

Abstract

Arde Lucus has become established as one of the most emblematic and successful historical re-enactment festivals of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula, notably through its ability to attract visitors, economic impact and, above all, the deep involvement of the people of Lugo in the re-enactment of their Galaico-Roman past. Festivals of this kind are ideal for analysing how perceptions of the past are constructed in society. It is not a question of judging, but rather of observing and analysing how our society appropriates, recreates and reinvents the past.

From this perspective, in the following pages I shall try to delve deeper into the Arde Lucus festival by exploring its relationship with heritage, identity and social cohesion. In order to so, I will first examine briefly the archaeology of Roman Lugo, before focusing on the common and distinctive features of Arde Lucus compared to other historical re-enactment festivals in Spain. Finally, I will reflect on the involvement of today’s society in this festival, highlighting how citizens become active participants in the construction and experience of their own history.