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Roman Festivals
By
Scott Roy
Joseph Semrany
Introduction
The Festivals of Ancient Rome
included many different
customs. Some of which are
still used in today’s society.
Some examples of these are
Agonalia on January the 9th.
Which honors Janus whom the
Romans asked of him before
undertaking any affair of
importance.
Going to the
Arena
One of the most popular
entertainment in the roman
empire is chariot racing.
These events are staged at
circuses and special buildings
with a race track.
The circus maximus, meaning
great circus, is one of the
greatest tracks in Rome.
When ever the city holds
events at the circus maximus,
it was going to be a sell out
occasion. So it was necessary
to buy your tickets in advance
during the celebrations .
Theatres &
Music
In Rome at the time of a
public holiday, the cities
theatres will be packed with
audiences anxious to see new
plays and old favorites.
Look for the pantomimes
actor, who may can come on
stage during the performance
without speaking, he will use
dance and movement to tell
his part of the play,
accompanied by the chorus.
Performances are held in the
afternoons
Festivals of the
Gods
The Romans had, and
worshiped many different
gods in festivals
An example of the Gods are
Apollo, the son of Jupiter and
Latona. He was known as the
god of light, The God of truth
and Arts. He was forbidden to
tell a lie.
The Festival Of
Matronalia
This Festival was held on the
1st of March.
It was in honor of the Roman
God Mars, which
commemorates the rape of
the Sabine Women. Only
married women could attend
the celebrations, during which
they made offerings of
flowers in the Temples of
Juno.
The Festival Of
Quinquatrus
This Festival was held
between the 19th and the 21st
of March
This Festival was Sacred for
both Gods Mars and Minerva.
On the first day of the
celebrations, sacrifices and
oblations were offered.
Although no blood was spilt,
the next three days were
mainly Gladiator battles. With
the fifth and last day, a
procession lined the streets
of Rome.
The Festival of
Parentalia
This Festival was held
between the 13th and the 21st
of February.
This Festival was where the
Romans honored their
ancestors in their own homes.
During this time the Temples
were closed and weddings
were forbidden.