Looking Back at FestiVia Belgica 2019

The festival kicked off on Friday, June 14, with a Roman-style sharing dinner.
In the garden of Villa de Proosdij, long tables were set for a dinner inspired by authentic recipes. On Saturday morning, June 15, participants explored the Via Belgica on the run, guided by Raoul Spronken of Maastricht Running Tours.

The Experience Market on Saturday, June 15, and Sunday, June 16, offered the chance to taste the finest Roman snacks and discover the Via Belgica along with the region’s rich Roman heritage. In the Roman open kitchen, local guest chefs worked with ingredients from regional producers. There were food stands with wines and cocktails, and the Via Belgica food truck also made an appearance. Children could go treasure hunting or attend gladiator school. Lectures were also given, including on Roman plants and herbs.

FestiVia Belgica was the crowning achievement of the Friends of Via Belgica, a group of dedicated entrepreneurs, volunteers, institutions, and local governments. For more than two years, together with the driving forces behind Via Belgica, they have worked to put the Roman past of South Limburg on the map. After the Roman South Limburg Guide and numerous activities, FestiVia Belgica brought all these efforts together in one unifying festival for young and old alike.