Afternoon in Mérida continued

A short walk from the Plaza de España takes us to Mérida’s main archeological site containing the theatre and amphitheatre. The latter is the slightly later and very much plainer construction. As many as  fifteen thousand people, almost half the current population of Mérida, could be seated to watch gladiatorial combats and fights with wild animals. 

Read more about gladiators here http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/gladiators_01.shtml

Next door is the elaborate and beautiful Teatro Romano, one of the best preserved anywhere in the Roman Empire. Constructed around 15 BC, it was a present to the city from Agrippa, as indicated by the large inscription above the passageway to the left of the stage. The stage itself, is in good shape, and many of the seats have been entirely rebuilt to offer more comfort to the audiences of the annual July and August season of classical plays ( festivaldemerida.es )

Today we have our very own entertainer.  A young boy, no more than six or seven is practicising for his parents.  He soon gathers an audience and begins to tell jokes and play guessing games.  He accrues applause and an encore! 

So it is home to the cerveza Mangurria Pumpky.  Made with pumpkin.  Interesting, spicy. 

Next is Momo, a wheat beer.  Also spicy and interesting.