The numerous visitors to the popular "Vita Romana" event at the Bliesbruck-Reinheim European Cultural Park embarked on an exciting and authentic journey back in time.
The spectacle for young and old was opened on Saturday morning by District Administrator Dr Theophil Gallo and the Vice-President of the Département de la Moselle, Gilbert Schuh, in the Roman Villa Reinheim. The signing of the agreement on the functional area with Christiane Fortuin, Director of the Managing Authority of the European Interreg Greater Region Programme, also took place there.
During the subsequent tour of the exhibition grounds, there was a craftsmen's village, Gallo-Roman camps and numerous hands-on activities to visit and it was easy to strike up a conversation with the participants. For example, a Roman crockery dealer and a shoemaker in traditional costume demonstrated their craftsmanship. A Roman slave owner put on a good show, demonstrating his skills as an exhibitor and didact. Theatre groups brought the Roman era to life with their re-enactments and staging of historical events. The two days were also varied for the younger guests, who had the opportunity to be creative in a variety of ways or, for example, to learn about traditional teaching in Roman times during a free educational programme at the museum. Exciting demonstrations in the arena in Bliesbruck also offered an insight into the ancient world.
Celtic live music on Saturday evening in Bliesbruck with the bands High Octane and Green Lads also attracted numerous music enthusiasts. The matinee with the Polish folk group Karczmarze and Helmut Eisel on Sunday morning in the Roman villa in Reinheim was filled to capacity.
"They were two eventful and successful days," summarised District Administrator Dr Theophil Gallo, "and once again the appeal of our European Cultural Park and this traditional event became apparent. However, its organisation also requires extraordinary commitment. This year, all employees, including those of Aquis gGmbH, were even more challenged by the damage caused by the flooding on the German side of the park at Whitsun. On behalf of all those who contributed to the reconstruction and helped to ensure that the Vita Romana could be realised, I would like to expressly thank the managing director of the European Cultural Park Foundation, Stefan Munz, and project manager Ann-Kathrin Göritz. In addition, the excellent cooperation with our French friends and partners in the Département de la Moselle and through the joint cross-border association 'Vita Futura' under the leadership of Annick Berner has set an example for Saarland and the neighbouring regions. This also characterises our European and cosmopolitan district."