SPU:
Happy 1,700th Deathday, Diocletian - Split Throws a Roman Rager

The wine flows purple down the marble steps of Diocletian's mausoleum as a toga-clad waiter offers you a honeyed dormouse skewer. "Authentic 4th-century street food," he grins. Split's most unconventional festival celebrates the death (yes, death) of its favorite emperor with a week of decadent Roman reenactments.

2025's macabre birthday bash features:
• Gladiator battles using authentic replica weapons (blunt edges, but the smack of wood on shield still stings)
• A "Last Supper" recreation where guests recline on triclinium couches eating peacock stuffed with dates
• The "Vomitorium Experience" - thankfully just a VR exhibit about Roman dining habits

The climax comes at midnight in the palace basement, where actors perform Diocletian's final moments. "He died alone, eating bad oysters," whispers your guide. "But we'll give him the party he deserved." Cue the fire dancers and a 300-voice choir singing ancient hymns.

Pro Tip: The best togas are at "Subligaria Superior" rental shop - their linen doesn't itch like the cheap versions.

Party Like It's 312 AD
PrestigeFly (www.prestigefly.com) arranges business class on Turkish Airlines' Istanbul-Split flights with toga-fitting upon arrival. Our "Bread & Circuses" package includes front-row seats at the gladiator games and an afterparty in the actual palace substructure.