2. Roman Festivals By Scott Roy Joseph Semrany

3. 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 9 th. Which honors Janus whom the Romans asked of him before undertaking any affair of importance.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. The Festival Of Matronalia This Festival was held on the 1 st 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.

8. The Festival Of Quinquatrus This Festival was held between the 19 th and the 21 st 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.

9. The Festival of Parentalia This Festival was held between the 13 th and the 21 st 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.