Ludi Fortunae

The first edition of the Ludi Fortunae

On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Palestrina inaugurated the Ludi Fortunae, bringing the ancient Praeneste of the 3rd century BC back to life. The setting was Piazza della Liberazione and Parco Barberini, at the foot of the sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia.

The day alternated between gladiator shows, with duels reconstructed according to ancient sources, gastronomic moments with show-cooking and tastings of Roman recipes, educational stalls, workshops, and demonstrations of pagan rites linked to the cult of the goddess. A successful debut that convinced the Municipality of Palestrina and the Institute of Museums and Archaeological Parks of Praeneste and Gabii to expand the event to two days and move it to the Forum of Praeneste starting from the following edition.