Celebrating Spirituality 365 Days A Year – Floralia

April 28 – May 3

Floralia

 

On April 28, 238 B.C., the Romans dedicated their first temple to the Goddess Flora. At the time there had been a food shortage, and, according to the Sibyllline Books, the dedication of a time to the Goddess would ward of the impending famine.

The festival was designed to ensure that the crops blossomed well, so that the harvest would be good. The games and festivities lasted for six days, to May 3. It began with theatrical performances and ended with circus games and a a sacrifice to Flora.

The Floralia came to be regarded by prostitutes as their feast. the games drew crowds of commoners, and prostitutes were more licentious than during the Saturnalia—Decemeber 17 to 23.