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The Roman Centurions of
San Miguel of Salinas, arose from a general revival
of the Easter Celebrations in the town between the years
1995-6, following several years in decline.
The idea was inspired by some of the
oldest of our senior citizens who remembered marching,
as young lads, with their fathers in the "Armaos" or
"the
Roman Army" back in the 1930s. The memories of that first
Epoch of Centuria Romana and the desire to see the
colourful and spectacular Roman soldiers marching through the
streets again, encouraged a group of friends to initiate
our modern Society.
From very humble beginnings in 1998
when the first parade was held and meetings took place
in a spendthrift room and they turned out three lancers
and a oddball band of bugles and drums, made up from
anyone who had an instrument, for their first Easter
Parade. A splendid new banner had been embroidered
by the wives of the group, and on that day they left
their improvised headquarters and collected their
standard bearer and his companions.
After swearing allegiance to their standard - a
customary tradition, and giving sweets to all the
assistants and children, they set out on a lively march to the
Church where they formed a guard
to re-enact the parading of Christ in a procession
through the streets on San Miguel de Salinas.
This was the start of a movement,
which grows year after year, uniting more Romans of all
ages, and the veterans are now discovering the old arms
of the previous generations and passing their knowledge
to youngsters taking their first steps as Roman
Centurions.
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The official opening March 2004 |
In 2000 they formed their own
band of bugles and drums and with the assistance
of donations from local businessman and their
own fundraising efforts through their regular Bingo
evenings, in 2004 they moved to new larger
premises with facilities that match the growing
Society. They can now hold regular practice
sessions, general assemblies, hold functions,
and safely display their memorabilia. |
Currently our Roman Legion counts
on a total of 44 fully equipped soldiers, with other
ladies, handmaidens and boys. Their numbers will
undoubtedly grow because it is such a colourful Society
and in the future we are likely to see greater and more spectacular
celebrations staged during the Holy Week of San
Miguel of Salinas. (Editor's comment: As an English
resident of our town this Society appeals to me the
most, so much so that I asked the Secretary "¿ Mi una Centuria Romana proximo año?" She replied "¡Porque no!" We'll see!
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La Centuria Romana de San Miguel de Salinas
Headquarters : Calle Orihuela
Telf: 965 720 219 contacto Ramon
Dolo - 610 522 702
Carmen Rosario - 965 720 568
- 605 863 474
- 966 723 164
Email: info@san-miguel-de-salinas.com |
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Diary of Events
Excusion a Port Aventura
1,2 y 3 Julio
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