As the summer hustle and bustle slowly subsides and the days grow shorter, the historical heart of the Vodice hinterland prepares to beat in an ancient, forgotten rhythm. This Friday, September 19, the Vodice Tourist Board, in cooperation with the Center for Art and Culture, is organizing a unique cultural and historical spectacle titled Evening of Antiquity – Bacchanalia. This exceptional event will not only revive the archaeological site in the interior of Vodice but will also offer all visitors the opportunity to step into the world of the Roman Empire for one night, to feel its scents, tastes, and sounds.
The program is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM, at the moment when the setting sun illuminates the stone of the ancient Roman cistern, creating an ambiance that itself tells thousand-year-old stories. It is this very cistern, a witness to advanced Roman engineering and the daily life that once took place here, that will become the stage for an evening filled with art, entertainment, and interactive content designed to bring the rich and often neglected history of the Vodice region closer in a tangible way.
Return to the golden age of antiquity
The organizers have set an ambitious goal for themselves: to transform the archaeological site into a living scene from the past. The intention is to go beyond the classic museum presentation and offer the audience an immersive experience that engages all the senses. Visitors will not be just passive observers, but active participants in an evening that celebrates the heritage left in this area. An event like this is extremely important for the cultural and tourist offer, as it shows that Vodice is not just a destination of sun and sea, but also a place with deep historical roots. Many visitors who choose accommodation in Vodice are looking for precisely these kinds of authentic experiences that enrich their stay and provide a deeper insight into the life of the local community through the centuries.
The very idea of "Bacchanalia" evokes the atmosphere of Roman festivities dedicated to the god of wine and pleasure, Bacchus. Although the Vodice version will be adapted to the modern era, it will retain the spirit of celebration, community, and paying homage to nature and history. This is an opportunity to forget the hectic present for a moment and surrender to the charms of a different, slower, and perhaps more meaningful epoch.
Velika Mrdakovica: A story carved in stone
The central point of this historical journey is the archaeological site of Velika Mrdakovica, one of the most significant sites in the Šibenik area. It consists of the remains of a Liburnian-Roman settlement, also known as Arauzona, which dominated this landscape for centuries. Its strategic position on a hill allowed for control over the fertile fields in the hinterland and important maritime routes. Life flourished here from the Iron Age, through the period of the powerful Liburnians, up to complete Romanization.
To help visitors truly understand the importance of this place, they will be guided through its history by the most qualified guide possible – Toni Brajković, the director of the Museum of the City of Šibenik. As an archaeologist who has led numerous excavations right here at Mrdakovica, Brajković possesses not only expert knowledge but also the passion of a storyteller who breathes life into the stone remains. His story will reveal the secrets hidden by the ancient walls, graves, and found objects such as jewelry, ceramic vessels, and weapons, testifying to the rich culture and dynamic life of the former inhabitants.
Art and interaction: A program that brings history to life
To depict the daily life and culture of the Roman era, the organizers have prepared a diverse and rich program. Especially for this occasion, the dramolet “Vae nobis – Woe to us”, a work by author Sergej Mioč, will be performed. This stage piece will surely present snippets of Roman life, their worries, joys, and customs in a witty and interesting way, creating a living link between the past and the present.
The evening will also be filled with numerous interactive activities. Visitors will have the opportunity to try their hand at ancient skills in an archery tournament, testing their precision and steady hand. For the more creative, workshops will be organized where they can feel the earth under their fingers and, like Roman potters, shape their own ceramic objects. They will also be able to learn how to weave traditional wreaths, an essential decoration at ancient festivals, and take home a unique souvenir they made themselves.
Gastronomy and the skills of ancient masters
No ancient festival would be complete without a rich feast, and the Bacchanalia in Vodice will be no exception. Visitors can expect a lavish gastro-offer inspired by Roman cuisine and local ingredients that were used two thousand years ago. It will be a unique opportunity to taste dishes prepared according to old recipes, with a glass of wine that was an indispensable part of life and rituals in antiquity. Alongside the gastronomic offer, there will also be a fair of local products. Family farms and craftsmen from the Vodice area will present themselves, offering their products – from olive oil and honey to handicrafts. This fair represents a perfect blend of past and present, showing how tradition and skill are passed down from generation to generation. Exploring such events is an ideal addition to a vacation, and finding the ideal accommodation in Vodice allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the local culture and history.
A fire spectacle for the climax of the evening
As night falls over the Roman cistern, the atmosphere will reach its peak. The artistic group Lunctus Tribus, known for their spectacular fire shows, will take care of the grand finale of the evening. Their performance, which combines dance, acrobatics, and skillful handling of fire, will create a hypnotic and visually impressive experience. The dance of flames under the starry sky, at a location steeped in millennial history, will be a sight not to be forgotten and will seal this ancient night in the memory of all present.
For all those who want to enjoy the charms of Bacchanalia carefree, the organizers have also provided practical solutions. A free bus transport is available from the main bus station in Vodice. Buses will depart continuously from 6:00 PM, allowing everyone an easy and safe arrival at the location. The ticket price is a symbolic 5 euros, which makes this exceptional cultural experience accessible to everyone. This is an invitation to leave everyday life behind this Friday and become part of a unique story that combines archaeology, art, and entertainment in the heart of the Vodice hinterland, discovering a hidden treasure waiting to be rediscovered.
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Creation time: 16 September, 2025