View source for Roman festivals

{{short description|Scheduled celebration in ancient Rome}}
{{About|ancient Roman holidays|the symphonic poem by Ottorino Respighi|Roman Festivals (Respighi)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2013}}    
{{Ancient Roman religion}}
'''Festivals in ancient Rome''' were a very important part of [[religion in ancient Rome|Roman religious life]] during both the [[Roman Republic|Republican]] and [[Roman Empire|Imperial eras]], and one of the primary features of the [[Roman calendar]]. '''''Feriae''''' ("holidays" in the sense of "holy days"; singular also ''feriae'' or '''''dies ferialis''''') were either public ''(publicae)'' or private ''([[privatus|privatae]])''. State holidays were celebrated by the Roman people and received public funding. Games ''([[ludi]])'', such as the [[Ludi Apollinares]], were not technically ''feriae'', but the days on which they were celebrated were ''[[Glossary of ancient Roman religion#festus|dies festi]]'', holidays in the modern sense of days off work. Although ''feriae'' were paid for by the state, ''ludi'' were often funded by wealthy individuals. ''Feriae privatae'' were holidays celebrated in honor of private individuals or by families.<ref>[[H.H. Scullard]], ''Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic'' (Cornell University Press, 1981), pp. 38–39.</ref> This article deals only with public holidays, including rites celebrated by the state priests of Rome at temples, as well as celebrations by neighborhoods, families, and friends held simultaneously throughout Rome.

''Feriae publicae'' were of three kinds:
* ''Stativae'' were annual holidays that held a fixed or stable date on the calendar.
* ''Conceptivae'' were annual holidays that were [[moveable feast]]s (like [[Easter]] on the Christian calendar, or [[Thanksgiving]] in North America); the date was announced by the [[Roman Magistrates|magistrates]] or [[College of Pontiffs|priests]] who were responsible for them.
* ''[[#Feriae imperativae|Imperativae]]'' were holidays held "on demand" (from the verb ''impero, imperare'', "to order, command") when special celebrations or expiations were called for.<ref>Scullard, ''Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic,'' p. 39.</ref>

One of the most important sources for Roman holidays is [[Ovid]]'s ''[[Fasti (poem)|Fasti]]'', an incomplete poem that describes and provides origins for festivals from January to June at the time of [[Augustus]].

==Keeping the ''feriae''==

[[Varro]] defined ''feriae'' as "days instituted for the sake of the gods."<ref>Varro, ''De lingua latina'' 6.12 ''(dies deorum causa instituti'', as cited by Scullard, p. 39, noting also the phrase ''dis dedicati'', "dedicated to the gods," in [[Macrobius]], ''Saturnalia'' 1.16.2.</ref> Religious rites were performed on the ''feriae'', and public business was suspended. Even [[slavery in ancient Rome|slaves]] were supposed to be given some form of rest. [[Cicero]] says specifically that people who were free should not engage in lawsuits and quarrels, and slaves should get a break from their labours.<ref>Cicero, ''De legibus'' 2.29, as cited by Scullard, p. 39.</ref> [[Roman agriculture|Agricultural writers]] recognized that some jobs on a farm might still need to be performed, and specified what these were. Some agricultural tasks not otherwise permitted could be carried out if an expiation were made in advance ''([[piaculum]])'', usually the sacrifice of a puppy.<ref>[[Cato the Elder]], ''De agricultura'' 138; [[Columella]] 2.21.2; Scullard, ''Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic,'' p. 39.</ref> Within the city of Rome, the [[flamen]]s and the priest known as the ''[[Rex sacrorum]]'' were not allowed even to see work done.

On a practical level, those who "inadvertently" worked could pay a fine or offer up a ''piaculum'', usually a pig. Work considered vital either to the gods or preserving human life was excusable, according to some experts on religious law. Although Romans were required not to work, they were not required to take any religious action unless they were priests or had family rites ''([[sacra gentilicia]])'' to maintain.<ref>Scullard, ''Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic,'' pp. 39–40.</ref>

==List of festivals by month==
Following is a month-by-month list of Roman festivals and games that had a fixed place on the calendar. For some, the date on which they were first established is recorded. A deity's festival often marks the anniversary (''[[Glossary of ancient Roman religion#dies natalis|dies natalis]],'' "birthday") of the founding of a temple, or a rededication after a major renovation. Festivals not named for deities are thought to be among the oldest on the calendar.<ref>[[Hendrik Wagenvoort]], "Initia Cereris," in ''Studies in Roman Literature, Culture and Religion'' (Brill, 1956), pp. 163–164.</ref>

Some religious observances were monthly. The first day of the month was the [[Kalends]] (or Calends, from which the English word "calendar" derives). Each Kalends was sacred to [[Juno (mythology)|Juno]], and the ''[[Regina sacrorum]]'' ("Queen of the Rites," a public priestess) marked the day by presiding over a sacrifice to the goddess.<ref>Emily A. Hemelrijk, "Women and Sacrifice in the Roman Empire," in ''Ritual Dynamics and Religious Change in the Roman Empire. Proceedings of the Eighth Workshop of the International Network Impact of Empire (Heidelberg, July 5–7, 2007)'' (Brill, 2009), pp. 258–259, citing [[Macrobius]], ''Saturnalia'' 1.15.19.</ref>  Originally a pontiff and the ''[[Rex sacrorum]]'' reported the sighting of the [[new moon]], and the pontiff announced whether the [[Nones (calendar)|Nones]] occurred on the 5th or 7th of that month. On the Nones, announcements were made regarding events to take place that month; with the exception of the [[Poplifugia]], no major festivals were held before the Nones, though other ceremonies, such as anniversaries of temple dedications, might be carried out. The [[Ides (calendar)|Ides]] (usually the 13th, or in a few months the 15th) were sacred to [[Jupiter (mythology)|Jupiter]]. On each Ides, a white lamb was led along the [[Via Sacra]] to the [[Capitolium]] for sacrifice to Jupiter.

The list also includes other notable public religious events such as sacrifices and processions that were observed annually but are neither ''feriae'' nor ''dies natales.'' Unless otherwise noted, the calendar is that of [[H.H. Scullard]], ''Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic''.

===[[Ianuarius]]===
*1 ([[Calends]]): From 153 BC onward, [[Roman consul|consuls]] entered office on this date, accompanied by ''[[Vota pro salute rei publicae|vota publica]]'' (public vows for the wellbeing of the republic and later of the emperor) and the taking of [[auspices]]. Festivals were also held for the imported cult of [[Aesculapius]] and for the obscure god [[Vediovis]].<ref>Scullard, ''Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic'', pp. 52–58.</ref>
* 3-5: most common dates for [[Compitalia]], a movable feast ''([[#Feriae conceptivae|feriae conceptivae]])''
* 5 (Nones): ''Dies natalis'' (founding day) of the shrine of [[Vica Pota]] on the [[Velian Hill]]<ref>Recorded only in the [[Fasti Antiates]].</ref>
*9: [[Agonalia]] in honor of [[Janus (mythology)|Janus]], after whom the month January is named; first of at least four festivals named Agonalia throughout the year
*11 and 15: [[Carmentalia]], with [[Juturna]] celebrated also on the 11th
* 13 (Ides)
* 24–26: most common dates for the [[Sementivae]], a ''feriae conceptivae'' of sowing, perhaps also known as the Paganalia as celebrated by the ''[[pagus|pagi]]''
* 27: ''Dies natalis'' of the [[Temple of Castor and Pollux]], or perhaps marking its rededication (see also July 15); ''Ludi Castores'' ("Games of the Castors") celebrated at [[Ostia Antica|Ostia]] during the Imperial period

===[[Februarius]]===
In the archaic Roman calendar, February was the last month of the year. The name derives from ''februa'', "the means of purification, expiatory offerings." It marked a turn of season, with February 5 the official first day of spring bringing the renewal of agricultural activities after winter.<ref>Scullard, ''Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic,'' pp. 70–71.</ref>
* 1 (Kalends): ''Dies natalis'' for the Temple of Juno Sospita, Mother and Queen; ''sacra'' at the Grove of [[List of Roman deities#A|Alernus]], near the [[Tiber River|Tiber]] at the foot of the [[Palatine Hill]]
* 5: ''Dies natalis'' for the [[Temple_of_Concord|Temple of Concord]] on the [[Capitoline Hill]]
* 13 (Ides): minor festival of [[Faunus]] on the [[Tiber Island]]
* 13–22: [[Parentalia]], a commemoration of ancestors and the dead among families
** 13: Parentatio, with appeasement of the [[Manes]] beginning at the 6th hour and ceremonies performed by the chief [[Vestal Virgin|Vestal]]; temples were closed, no fires burned on altars, marriages were forbidden, magistrates took off their insignia, until the 21st
* 15: [[Lupercalia]]
* 17: last day of the ''feriae conceptivae'' [[Fornacalia]], the Oven Festival; [[Quirinalia]], in honour of [[Quirinus]]
*21: [[Feralia]], the only public observation of the Parentalia, marked F ''(dies festus)'' in some calendars and FP (a designation of uncertain meaning) in others, with dark rites aimed at the gods below ''([[di inferi]])''
* 22: [[Caristia]] (or Cara Cognatio, "Dear Kindred"), a potluck meal provided by all the family, and shared in a spirit of love and forgiveness
* 23: [[Terminalia (festival)|Terminalia]], in honour of [[Terminus (mythology)|Terminus]]
* 24: [[Regifugium]]
*27: [[Equirria]], first of two horse-racing festivals to [[Mars (mythology)|Mars]]

===[[Martius (month)|Martius]]===
In the old Roman calendar (until perhaps as late as 153 BC), the ''mensis Martius'' ("Mars' Month") was the first month of the year. It is one of the few months to be named for a god, [[Mars (mythology)|Mars]], whose festivals dominate the month.
*1 (Kalends): the original New Year's Day when the sacred fire of Rome was renewed; the dancing armed priesthood of the [[Salii]] celebrated the ''Feriae Marti'' (holiday for Mars), which was also the ''dies natalis'' ("birthday") of Mars; also the [[Matronalia]], in honor of [[List of Roman birth and childhood deities|Juno Lucina]], Mars' mother 
* 7: a second festival for Vediovis 
* 9: a ''[[Glossary of ancient Roman religion#religiosus|dies religiosus]]'' when the Salii carried the sacred shields ''([[ancilia]])'' around the city again
*14: the second [[Equirria]], a ''Feriae Marti'' also called the [[Mamuralia]] or ''sacrum Mamurio''
* 15 (Ides): ''Feriae Iovi'', sacred to [[Jove]], and also the feast of the year goddess [[Anna Perenna]]
* 16–17: the procession of the [[Argei]]
* 17: [[Liberalia]], in honour of [[Liber]]; also an [[Agonalia#Agonium Martiale|Agonalia]] for Mars
* 19: [[Quinquatrus]], later expanded into a five-day holiday as Quinquatria, a ''Feriae Marti'', but also a feast day for [[Minerva]], possibly because her temple on the [[Aventine Hill]] was dedicated on this day
* 23: [[Tubilustrium]], purification of the trumpets.
* 24: a day marked QRCF, when the [[Comitia Calata]] met to sanction wills
* 25: [[Hilaria]], A two-weeks long festival commemorating [[Cybele]]'s lamentation (fasting, castigation, taurobolium, festoonment, washing) of the death and rejoicing of at the resurrection of her mortal lover [[Attis]].
*31: anniversary of the [[Luna (Roman goddess)|Temple of Luna]] on the Aventine

===[[Aprilis]]===
[[File:Fasti Praenestini Massimo n2.jpg|thumb|Piece of the fragmentary ''[[Fasti Praenestini]]'' for April, showing the Vinalia ''(VIN)'' and Robigalia ''(ROB)'']]
A major ''feriae conceptivae'' in April was the [[Feriae Latinae|Latin Festival]].
* 1 (Kalends): [[Veneralia]] in honour of [[Venus (mythology)|Venus]]
*4–10: [[Megalesia|Ludi Megalenses]] or Megalesia, in honor of the [[Magna Mater]] or [[Cybele]], whose temple was dedicated April 10, 191 BC
* 5: anniversary of the Temple of Fortuna Publica
*12–19: [[Cerealia|Cerialia]] or Ludi Cereri, festival and games for [[Ceres (mythology)|Ceres]], established by 202 BC
* 13 (Ides): anniversary of the [[Temple of Jupiter Victor]]
*15: [[Fordicidia]], offering of a pregnant cow to [[Terra Mater|Tellus]] ("Earth")
*21: [[Parilia]], rustic festival in honour of [[Pales]], and the [[founding of Rome|''dies natalis'' of Rome]]
*21: [[Natale di Roma|Dies Romana]], a festival linked to the [[foundation of Rome]].<ref name="Plutarch12">[[Plutarch]], ''[[Parallel Lives]] - Life of Romulus'', [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Plutarch/Lives/Romulus*.html#12 12.2] (from [[LacusCurtius]])</ref> According to [[legend]], [[Romulus]] is said to have founded the city of [[Rome]] on April 21, [[753 BC]]. From this date, the Roman chronology derived its system, known by the [[Latin]] phrase ''[[Ab Urbe condita]]'', meaning ''"from the founding of the City"'', which counted the years from this presumed foundation.
*23: the first of two wine festivals ([[Vinalia]]), the ''Vinalia Priora'' for the previous year's wine, held originally for Jupiter and later Venus
*25: [[Robigalia]], an agricultural festival involving dog sacrifice
*27 (28 in the [[Julian calendar]]) to May 1: [[Floralia|Ludi Florales]] in honour of [[Flora (mythology)|Flora]], extended to May 3 under the Empire

===[[Maius]]===
The ''feriae conceptivae'' of this month was the [[Ambarvalia]].
*1 (Kalends): Games of Flora continue; sacrifice to [[Maia (mythology)#Roman Maia|Maia]]; anniversary of the Temple of Bona Dea on the Aventine; rites for the [[Lares|Lares Praestites]], [[tutelary deity|tutelaries]] of the city of Rome
* 3: in the Imperial period, a last celebration for Flora, or the anniversary of one of her temples
*9, 11, 13: [[Lemuria (festival)|Lemuria]], a festival of the dead with both public and household rites, possibly with a sacrifice to [[Mania (mythology)|Mania]] on the 11th
* 14: anniversary of the Temple of Mars Invictus (Mars the Unconquered); a second procession of the [[Argei]]<ref>Alternatively dated to May 15.</ref>
*15 (Ides): [[Mercuralia]], in honor of [[Mercury (mythology)|Mercury]]; ''Feriae'' of Jove
*21: one of four [[Agonalia]], probably a third festival for Vediovis 
*23: a second [[Tubilustrium]]; ''Feriae'' for [[Volcanus|Volcanus (Vulcan)]]
* 24: [[QRCF]], following Tubilustrium as in March
* 25: anniversary of the Temple of Fortuna Primigenia

===[[Iunius (month)|Iunius]]===
Scullard places the [[Taurian Games]] on June 25–26,<ref>Scullard, ''Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic'', p. 156.</ref> but other scholars doubt these ''ludi'' had a fixed date or recurred on a regular basis.<ref>John H. Humphrey, ''Roman Circuses: Arenas for Chariot Racing'' (University of California Press, 1986), p. 543; Robert Turcan, ''The Gods of Ancient Rome'' (Edinburgh University Press, 2000), p. 82.</ref>
* 1 (Kalends): anniversaries of the Temple of Juno Moneta; of the Temple of Mars on the ''clivus'' (slope, street) outside the [[Porta Capena]]; and possibly of the Temple of the [[Tempestates]] (storm goddesses); also a festival of the complex goddess [[Cardea|Cardea or Carna]]
*3: anniversary of the Temple of [[Bellona (goddess)|Bellona]]
* 4: anniversary of the restoration of the Temple of [[Hercules in ancient Rome|Hercules Custos]]
* 5: anniversary of the Temple of [[Dius Fidius]]
* 7: [[Ludi Piscatorii]], "Fishermen's Games"
*7–15: [[Vestalia]], in honour of [[Vesta (mythology)|Vesta]]; June 9 was a ''dies religiosus'' to her
* 8: anniversary of the Temple of [[Mens]]
* 11: [[Matralia]] in honour of [[Mater Matuta]]; also the anniversary of the Temple of Fortuna in the [[Forum Boarium]]
* 13 (Ides): ''Feriae'' of Jove
* 13–15: ''Quinquatrus minusculae'', the lesser [[Quinquatrus]] celebrated by ''[[tibicines]]'', flute-players in their role as accompanists to religious ceremonies
*19: a commemoration involving the Temple of Minerva on the Aventine, which had its anniversary March 19
*20: anniversary of the Temple of [[Summanus]]
* 24: festival of [[Fors Fortuna]], which "seems to have been a rowdy affair"<ref>Scullard, ''Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic'', p. 155.</ref>
* 27: poorly attested observance in honour of the [[Lares]]; anniversary of the Temple of Jupiter Stator
* 29: anniversary of the Temple of [[Hercules in ancient Rome|Hercules Musarum]], Hercules of the Muses

===Iulius ([[Quintilis|Quinctilis]])===
Until renamed for [[Julius Caesar]], this month was called Quinctilis or [[Quintilis]], originally the fifth month ''(quint-)'' when the year began in March. From this point in the calendar forward, the months had numerical designations.
* 1 (Kalends): a scarcely attested anniversary of a temple to Juno Felicitas
*5: [[Poplifugia]]
*6–13: [[Ludi Apollinares]], games in honour of [[Apollo]], first held in 212 BC as a one-day event (July 13) and established as annual in 208 BC.
* 6: anniversary of the Temple of Fortuna Muliebris
* 7 (Nones): [[Caprotinia|Nonae Caprotinae]]; ''Ancillarum Feriae'' (Festival of the Serving Women);<ref>Recorded only by [[Polemius Silvius]].</ref> sacrifice to [[Consus]] by unspecified public priests ''(sacerdotes publici)''; also a minor festival to the two [[Pales]]
* 8: [[Vitulatio]]
* 14–19: a series of markets or fairs ''([[#Mercatus|mercatus]])'' following the Ludi Apollinares; not religious holidays
* 15 (Ides): ''[[Transvectio equitum]],'' a procession of cavalry
* 17: anniversary of the Temple of Honos and Virtus; sacrifice to [[Victoria (mythology)|Victory]]
*18: a ''dies ater'' ("black day," meaning a day of ill omen) marking the defeat of the Romans by the [[Gauls]] at the [[Battle of the Allia]] in 390 BC, leading to the sack of Rome by the Gauls
*19, 21: [[Lucaria]]
* 20–30: Ludi Victoriae Caesaris, "Games of the Victorious Caesar", held annually from 45 BC<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://bmcr.brynmawr.edu/1997/97.08.07.html|title=Review of: The Comet of 44 B.C. and Caesar's Funeral Games.|first=Geoffrey S.|last=Sumi|date=August 1, 1997|journal=Bryn Mawr Classical Review}}</ref>
* 22: anniversary of the Temple of Concordia at the foot of the Capitol
*23: [[Neptunalia]] held in honour of [[Neptune (mythology)|Neptune]]
*25: [[Furrinalia]], ''feriae publicae'' in honour of [[Furrina]]
*30: anniversary of the Temple of the Fortune of This Day ''(Fortunae Huiusque Diei)''

===[[Sextilis|Augustus (Sextilis)]]===
Until renamed for [[Augustus Caesar]], this month was called Sextilis, originally the sixth month (sext-) when the year began in March.
* 1 (Kalends): anniversary of the Temple of [[Spes]] (Hope) in the [[Forum Holitorium]], with commemorations also for the "two Victories" on the Palatine
* 3: ''[[Supplicia canum]]'' ("punishment of the dogs") an unusual dog sacrifice and procession at the temples of Iuventas ("Youth") and Summanus, connected to the Gallic siege
* 5: public sacrifice ''(sacrificium publicum)'' at the Temple of [[Salus]] on the Quirinal
* 9: public sacrifice to [[Sol Indiges]]
* 12: sacrifice of a heifer to Hercules Invictus, with a libation from the ''[[skyphos]]'' of Hercules
* 13 (Ides): festival of Diana on the Aventine ([[Nemoralia]]), with slaves given the day off to attend; other deities honored at their temples include [[Vortumnus]], Fortuna Equestris, Hercules Victor (or Invictus at the [[Porta Trigemina]]), [[Castor and Pollux]], the [[Camenae]], and Flora
*17: [[Portunalia]] in honour of [[Portunus (mythology)|Portunus]]; anniversary of the Temple of Janus
*19: [[Vinalia Rustica]], originally in honour of Jupiter, but later [[Venus (mythology)|Venus]]
*21: [[Consualia]], with a sacrifice on the Aventine
*23: [[Vulcanalia]] or ''Feriae Volcano'' in honour of [[Vulcan (mythology)|Vulcan]], along with sacrifices to Maia, the [[Nymph]]s ''in campo'' ("in the field", perhaps the [[Campus Martius]]), Ops Opifera, and a Hora
*24: sacrifices to Luna on the [[Graecostasis]]; and the first of three days when the mysterious ritual pit called the ''[[Mundus cerialis|mundus]]'' was opened
*25: [[Opiconsivia]] or ''Feriae Opi'' in honour of Ops Consivae at the [[Regia]]
*27: [[Volturnalia]], when the [[flamines minores|Flamen Volturnalis]] made a sacrifice to [[Volturnus]]
*28: Games at the [[Circus Maximus]] ''([[ludi circenses|circenses]])'' for Sol and Luna

===[[September (Roman month)|September]]===
*1 (Kalends): ceremonies for Jupiter Tonans ("the Thunderer") on the Capitolium, and Juno Regina on the Aventine
* 5: anniversary of one of the temples to Jupiter Stator
* 5–19, [[Ludi Romani]] or Ludi Magni, "the oldest and most famous" of the ''ludi''<ref>Scullard, ''Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic'', p. 183.</ref>
* 13 (Ides): anniversary of the Temple to Jupiter Optimus Maximus; an [[Epulum Jovis|Epulum Iovis]]; an ''epulum'' to the [[Capitoline Triad]]
* 14: ''Equorum probatio'' ("Approval of the Horses"), a cavalry parade of the Imperial period
* 20–23: days set aside for markets and fairs ''([[#Mercatus|mercatus]])'' immediately following the Ludi Romani
* 23: anniversary of the rededication of the Temple of Apollo in the Campus Martius; [[Latona]] was also honored
*26: anniversary of the Temple of Venus Genetrix vowed by Julius Caesar

===[[October (Roman month)|October]]===
* 1 (Kalends): ceremonies for [[Fides (goddess)|Fides]] and the [[Sororium Tigillum|Tigillum Sororium]]
* 3–12: Ludi Augustales, established 14 AD after the death of [[Augustus]], based on the [[Augustalia]]<ref>Matthew Bunson, ''A Dictionary of the Roman Empire'' (Oxford University Press, 1995), pp. 246–247; Roland Auguet, ''Cruelty and Civilization: The Roman Games'' (Routledge, 1972, 1994) pp. 212–213.</ref>
*4: ''[[Ieiunium Cereris]]'', a day of [[fasting]] in honour of [[Ceres (Roman mythology)|Ceres]], instituted in 191 BC as a [[wikt:quinquennial|quinquennial]] observance, made annual by [[Augustus]]
* 5: second of the three days when the ''[[Mundus cerialis|mundus]]'' was opened
* 6: ''dies ater'' ("black day") to mark the anniversary of the [[battle of Arausio]] (105 BC)
* 7 (Nones): rites for Jupiter Fulgur (Jupiter of daytime lightning) and Juno Curitis
* 9: rites at shrines for the [[Genius Publicus]], Fausta Felicitas, and Venus Victrix on the Capitolium
* 10: ceremonies to mark a rededication of the Temple of Juno Moneta
* 11: [[Meditrinalia]]
* 12: [[Augustalia]], celebrated from 14 AD in honour of the divinized [[Augustus]], established in 19 BC with a new altar and sacrifice to [[Fortuna Redux]]<ref>[[John Scheid]], "To Honour the ''Princeps'' and Venerate the Gods: Public Cult, Neighbourhood Cults, and Imperial Cult in Augustan Rome," translated by [[Jonathan Edmondson]], in ''Augustus'' (Edinburgh University Press, 2009), pp. 288–290.</ref>
* 13: [[Fontinalia]] in honour of [[Fontus|Fons]]
* 14: ceremonies to mark a restoration of the Temple of the [[Penates|Penates Dei]] on the [[Velian Hill]]
*15 (Ides): [[October Horse]] sacrifice to [[Mars (mythology)|Mars]] in the [[Campus Martius]]; also ''Feriae'' of Jupiter
*19: [[Armilustrium]], a ''dies religiosus'' in honour of Mars
* 26 to November 1: [[Ludi Victoriae Sullanae]], "Victory Games of Sulla", established as an annual event in 81 BC

===[[November (Roman month)|November]]===
*1 (Kalends): ''[[Ludi circenses]]'' to close the Sullan Victory Games<!--Dumézil, ''Archaic Roman Religion,'' p. 271 in the English translation, says unequivocably that "no festival called Pomonalia ever occurs" on the known caleandars-->
*4–17: [[Ludi Plebeii|''Ludi Plebeii'' (Plebeian Games)]]
* 8: third of the three days when the ''mundus'' ritual pit was opened
*13 (Ides): [[Epulum Jovis]]; also ceremonies for [[Feronia (mythology)|Feronia]] and Fortuna Primigeniae
* 14: a second ''Equorum probatio'' (cavalry parade), as on July 15
* 18–20: markets and fairs ''([[#Mercatus|mercatus]])''
* 24-30: [[Brumalia]] (continues into December)<ref>Lydus, John the. De Mensibus, Book 4, December. Translated by Edward W. Watson, 1918. Published online by Bill Thayer, University of Chicago. Available at: https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Lydus/4/December*.html</ref>

===[[December (Roman month)|December]]===
* 1-17: [[Brumalia]] (continued from November)
* 3: [[Bona Dea]] rites for women only
*5 (Nones): a country festival for [[Faunus]] held by the ''[[pagus|pagi]]''
* 8: festival for [[Tiberinus Pater]] and Gaia<!--NOT the Greek Gaia-->
*11: [[Agonalia]] for [[Indiges]]; also the (probably unrelated) [[Septimontium]]
* 12: ceremonies at the Temple of Consus on the Aventine
* 13 (Ides): ''dies natalis'' of the Temple of Tellus, and associated [[lectisternium]] for Ceres
*15: [[Consualia]] or ''Feriae'' for Consus, the second of the year
*17–23: [[Saturnalia]] in honour of [[Saturn (mythology)|Saturn]], with the public ritual on the 17th
*18 Eponalia in honor of [[Epona]]
*19: [[Opalia]] in honor of [[Ops]]
*21: [[Divalia]] in honor of [[Angerona]]; Hercules and Ceres also received a sacrifice
* 22: anniversary of the Temple of the Lares Permarini in the [[Porticus Minucia]]
*23: [[Larentalia]]; commemorations for the temples of Diana and Juno Regina in the [[Circus Flaminius]], and for the [[Tempestates]]; [[Sigillaria (ancient Rome)|Sigillaria]], the last day of the Saturnalia, devoted to gift-giving
*25:  [[Dies Natalis Solis Invicti]] ("Birthday of the Unconquered Sun")

==''Feriae conceptivae''==
[[Image:Compitalia fresco.jpg|thumb|upright=1.25|A rare depiction of Roman men wearing the ''[[toga praetexta]]'' and participating in what is probably the Compitalia]]

The following "moveable feasts" are listed roughly in chronological order.
* [[Compitalia]], held sometime between December 17 (the Saturnalia) and January 5; in the later Empire, they were regularly held January 3–5, but Macrobius (5th century AD) still categorized them as ''conceptivae''.<ref>Scullard, ''Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic'', p. 58.</ref>
*  [[Sementivae]], a festival of sowing honoring Tellus and Ceres, placed on January 24–26 by Ovid, who regards these ''feriae'' as the same as Paganalia; Varro may indicate that the two were separate festivals.<ref>Scullard, ''Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic'', p. 68.</ref>
* [[Fornacalia]], a mid-February baking festival celebrated by the ''curiae'', the 30 archaic divisions of the Roman people; the date was announced by the ''[[curio maximus]]'' and set for each ''curia'' individually, with a general Fornacalia on February 17 for those who had missed their own or who were uncertain to which ''curia'' they belonged.
* [[Amburbium]], a ceremony to purify the city ''(urbs)'' as a whole, perhaps held sometime in February.
* [[Feriae Latinae]] (Latin Festival), a major and very old ''conceptivae'' in April.
* [[Ambarvalia]], purification of the fields in May.
The [[Rosalia (festival)|Rosalia]] or "Festival of Roses" also had no fixed date, but was technically not one of the ''feriae conceptivae'' with a date announced by public priests based on archaic practice.

==''Feriae imperativae''==
Festivals were also held in ancient Rome in response to particular events, or for a particular purpose such as to propitiate or show gratitude toward the gods.  For example, [[Livy]] reports that following the Roman destruction of [[Alba Longa]] in the 7th century BC, and the removal of the Alban populace to Rome, it was reported to have rained stones on the [[Alban Hills|Mons Albanus]].  A Roman deputation was sent to investigate the report, and a further shower of stones was witnessed.  The Romans took this to be a sign of the displeasure of the Alban gods, the worship of whom had been abandoned with the evacuation of Alba  Longa.  Livy goes on to say that the Romans instituted a public festival of nine days, at the instigation either of a 'heavenly voice' heard on the Mons Albanus, or of the [[haruspex|haruspices]].  Livy also says that it became the longstanding practice in Rome that whenever a shower of stones was reported, a festival of nine days would be ordered in response.<ref>[[Livy]], ''[[Ab Urbe Condita Libri (Livy)|Ab urbe condita]]'', 1:31</ref>

Another irregular festival of note is the [[Secular Games]]. Over the course of several days there were sacrifices, entertainers, and games hosted by the state, attempting to be the greatest display anyone living had ever seen. These games were intended to be held every 100 years with the purpose of it occurring only once in any individuals lifetime. At one point two cycles of the Secular Games were being held simultaneously, leading there to be people who would in fact witness it twice in their life.

==''Mercatus''==
The noun {{lang|la|mercatus}} (plural {{lang|la|mercatūs}}) means "commerce" or "the market" generally, but it also refers to fairs or markets held immediately after certain {{lang|la|ludi}}. [[Cicero]] said<ref>[[Cicero]], ''Republic'' 2.27.</ref> that [[Numa Pompilius]], the semi-legendary second [[king of Rome]], established {{lang|la|mercatus}} in conjunction with religious festivals to facilitate trade, since people had already gathered in great numbers. In early times, these {{lang|la|mercatus}} may have played a role in wholesale trade, but as commerce in Rome became more sophisticated, by the late Republic they seem to have become retail fairs specialized for the holiday market. The [[Sigillaria (ancient Rome)|Sigillaria]] attached to the [[Saturnalia]] may have been a {{lang|la|mercatus}} in this sense. Surviving {{lang|la|[[fasti]]}}<ref>{{lang|la|[[Fasti Antiates|Fasti Antiates Ministrorum]]}}, {{lang|la|[[Fasti Fratrum Arvalium]]}}, and the "so-called" {{lang|la|[[Fasti Maffeani]]}} = ''Inscriptiones Italiae'' XIII.2.377.</ref> record {{lang|la|Mercatus Apollinares}}, July 14–19; {{lang|la|Mercatus Romani}}, September 20–23; and {{lang|la|Mercatus Plebeii}}, November 18–20. Others may have existed. The English word "fair" derives from Latin {{lang|la|feria}}.<ref>Claire Holleran, ''Shopping in Ancient Rome: The Retail Trade in the Late Republic and the Principate'' (Oxford University Press, 2012), pp. 189–190, 193.</ref>

=="Roman holidays" as trope==
By the outset of the nineteenth century and particularly in response to the carnage of the latter years of the French revolution, the term "Roman holiday" had taken on sinister aspects, implying an event that occasions enjoyment or profit at the expense, or derived from the suffering, of others, as in this passage about a dying gladiator from Lord Byron's ''[[Childe Harold's Pilgrimage]]'':

<blockquote>''There'' were his young barbarians all at play,<br />''There'' was their Dacian mother—he their sire,<br />Butchered to make a Roman holiday."<ref>"Cruelty". The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase, Saying, and Quotation, 2nd edition. Susan Ratcliffe, ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002,109-110.</ref></blockquote>

More benignly, the phrase was used as the title of a romantic movie set in Rome, ''[[Roman Holiday]].''

==See also==
* [[Fasti]]
* [[Spectacles in ancient Rome]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Kaczor, Idaliana (2018). “Characteristics of Roman Female Deities”. In: ''Studia Ceranea: Journal of the Waldemar Ceran Research Centre for the History and Culture of the Mediterranean Area and South-East Europe'' 8 (December): 23–41. https://doi.org/10.18778/2084-140X.08.02.

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{{Ancient Rome topics}}
{{Roman religion}}

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[[Category:Ancient Roman festivals| ]]