A little trip to Oplonti - 2nd step

Today we are in Torre Annunziata town , the ancient OPLONTI

Today we are in Torre Annunziata town , the ancient OPLONTI

We are discovering the "Saturnalia" ancient feasts of Romans people  

Saturnalia was an ancinet Roman Festival in honour of the god Saturn, with festivities from 17 to 23 December.

Saturnalia was an ancinet Roman Festival in honour of the god Saturn, with festivities from 17 to 23 December.

You could in a way compare to our Christmas and New Year holidays

Romans in these days were indulging in the wildest joy. The military operations, the work, the administration of justice, the school were suspended.

The Saturnalia began with a solemn sacrifice in the temple of Saturn on the Campidoglio followed by a great banquet in common. The cry: " Io Saturnalia!" was sung, which was repeated in the streets and in the houses.

Romans in these days were indulging in the wildest joy. The military operations, the work, the administration of justice, the school were suspended.

The Saturnalia began with a solemn sacrifice in the temple of Saturn on the Campidoglio followed by a great banquet in common. The cry: " Io Saturnalia!" was sung, which was repeated in the streets and in the houses.

Friends were invited to lunch, gifts were sent and received, called strenae, gambling was allowed, which in normal times was strictly forbidden.