Braga Romana 2026, Day 5

ByJoanne McLernon

It’s time for a Roman wedding! Again, this will be mostly pictures. I have some wrap-up thoughts at the end about Braga Romana 2026 as a whole.

Here is a still of the procession across the square. The bride is in the orange veil to the left.

Hard to distinguish the reenactors from the crowd! I love how intermingled they are.

And because it’s difficult to capture the fun of this wedding ritual in still photos, I’ve embedded a couple of videos. Here’s me following the procession across the square to the stage.

I’ve been wondering about the bagpipes, how historically accurate they are, or if it’s just to make the festival more fun. The Bracari are rumored (not proven) to have Celtic connections, so … maybe?

Bride on the left, groom with the priest on the right.
He goes to fetch her and lead her to the altar. Must be hard seeing through that veil.
Some vows, I assume. I was photographing, not translating.
Her mom (I assume) reveals her face.
He feeds her some bread …
… and then takes some himself. Wait, is she married if she doesn’t actively feed him?
They circle the altar a few times. She throws salt over her shoulder. I guess that’s her active part.
Just kiss already! … Oh, you beat me to it.
A ritual handwashing
S was translating next to me, so I know that these are “Patricians.” The new couple is being acknowledge by noble houses. About five couples came up to give them their blessing.
He picks her up to carry her to the feast, while the priest literally said “It’s time to party!”
Ready for food and dancing!
The dancers were good, and I covet their togas.
Definitely emphasizing graceful hand movements

Here’s another video, since it’s pointless to describe the dance when I could just show you instead:

And that’s a wrap on Braga Romana 2026. Although we were disappointed at all the last-minute changes and lack of consistent information (no chariot races!), I have to say that this was a polished, high-production, and greatly entertaining festival. Locals claim it is very crowded and for Braga it was … but I managed to see whatever I chose pretty close up. I’ve been in much worse crowds, it shouldn’t deter anyone.

I will definitely get more out of it as I learn more Portuguese. And in future years I might concentrate on translating the rituals like S did, and let Marty handle the photography. Gotta switch things up after all.

Anyway, I’d love some feedback about my first attempt to report on a festival in almost-real time. Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

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