Saturnalia: winter holidays in Ancient Rome

Saturnalia: winter holidays in ancient Rome

Saturnalia was one of Ancient Rome’s most famous and joyous festivals, celebrated in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture and abundance. This midwinter festival took place annually from December 17th to 23rd, marking the end of the autumn planting season and the approach of the winter solstice.

The origins of Saturnalia were rooted in the dedication of the Temple of Saturn in 497 BCE. It was a time to thank Saturn for the year’s agricultural bounty and pray for future prosperity. The holiday embodied a spirit of merriment, equality, and social reversal, making it a beloved event across all classes.

During Saturnalia, traditional societal norms were temporarily overturned. Slaves were treated as equals, allowed to dine with their masters, and even playfully “rule” the household. Citizens wore brightly colored clothing called synthesis instead of their formal togas, and everyone donned a pileus, a conical cap symbolizing freedom.
During the celebrations of Saturnalia the Romans exchanged the following greeting:  
“Io Saturnalia!“

Feasting, gift-giving, and games were central to the festivities. Popular gifts included candles and small figurines, representing light and renewal. Public banquets overflowed with food and drink, while homes and streets were decorated with greenery and festive garlands.

The heart of the celebrations occurred in Rome, especially at the Temple of Saturn in the Forum. Here, rituals began with a public sacrifice, followed by processions and communal revelry. Saturnalia’s joyous chaos and focus on equality influenced later winter festivals, leaving an enduring legacy even beyond the Roman Empire.

You might discover more about the history of the Saturnalia by booking our: “Ostia Antica walking tour“