Vinalia Rustica, ancient Rome

The Roman vintage began on this day, a festival held in honour of Jupiter, and Venus, goddess of vineyards. The other Vinalia was on April 23, when the wine of the previous season was broached.

The name of this annual festival derives from vinum (wine) and was celebrated with both wine and fire. There were two festivals of this name celebrated by the Romans: the Vinalia urbana or priora, and the Vinalia rustica or altera. The Vinalia were wine festivals lasting several days, honouring Roman god Jupiter, leader of the gods and god of the sky, and also Venus (pictured) in her aspect as guardian of gardens, olive groves and vineyards. Today was the day for honouring Venus as the protectress of the hetairae, or dancing girls. The hetairae entertained with music and dancing during dinners and feasts, and sometimes with sexual favours ...

Categories: calendar-customs, ancient-rome, deity, mythology, festival