Feriae Latinae
The Feriae Latinae, or Latin Festival, was a religious festival held on the Alban Mount in April. The exact date varied each year and was determined by the consuls upon taking office.
Date: April
Observances: general truce, offering of pastoral products, libation of milk, pure white heifer sacrificed
The Feriae Latinae was one of the most ancient festivals celebrated by the Roman state, dating back to the pre-urban pastoral age. It continued to be held well into the 3rd c. AD.
The festival was a reaffirmation of the alliance among the members of the Latin League, a confederation of Latin cities. A truce was observed throughout the festival, and representatives from each Latin city attended and offered sacrifices.
The presiding Roman consul conducted the sacrifice of a pure white heifer that had never been yoked. The flesh of the heifer was consumed as part of a communal meal, symbolizing the unity and shared purpose of the Latin League.
As part of the festivities, figurines called oscilla were hung from trees. These figurines were believed to have protective powers and were often associated with fertility and abundance.
The consuls were required to attend the Feriae Latinae, leaving a praefectus urbi in charge of the city. If the consuls were absent, a dictator was appointed to oversee the festival. This highlights the importance of the Feriae Latinae and the need for the consuls to be present to reaffirm the alliance among the Latin cities.
Digital Maps of the Ancient World 