The Roemerfest is the biggest Ancient Rome festival in Europe. It takes place across the ruins of Augusta Raurica, close to Basel.

These girls played as ancient Roman dancers just at the entrance of the ruins. Lovely colours and moves.

I supposed they were celebrating some rituals to praise nature and gods.

Indeed the afternoon was warm and sunny, the ritual worked !

Congratulation to the dancers from the Gruppo Danze Antiche, Italy – directed by Silvia Bellinello Melotto: they were one of  the highlights of this Romerfest 2013.

Pictures shot with D800 and 70-200 VR-II

The festival was filled with gladiators, Roman soldiers, Roman knights, belly dancers, Barbarians and slaves … soon all online! In the meantime click to magnify the pictures of these dancing priestesses.