The Mérida International Classical Theatre Festival is the oldest classical theatre festival held in Spain and is considered the most important of its kind.

Performances of the festival’s plays take place annually during the months of July and August in the Roman Theatre of Mérida, considered one of the buildings in the world that best represents the solid styles and harmonious forms of Roman architecture during the time of Emperor Augustus. It is also the oldest functioning theatre in the world.

A total of 70 editions of the festival have been held, each attracting tens of thousands of spectators, making it one of the leading theatre festivals in Spain.