What is Saturnalia in Chester 2015?

The city of Chester will be going back to its Roman roots on Thursday (December 17) when rowdy soldiers from the Deva Victrix 20th Legion will take to the streets to celebrate the pagan festival of Saturnalia.

Check out our guide to the celebrations:

What is Saturnalia?

An ancient Roman festival in honour of the deity Saturn, an agricultural god of plenty, wealth and liberation. It was a legal holiday when no public business could be conducted.

When is Saturnalia?

The festival originated on December 17 although it later become a week-long celebration taking revellers through to December 23.

What happened at the ancient Saturnalia?

The Romans made a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn in the forum which was followed by a public banquet. People gave gifts to each other and the tables were turned as Roman masters served their slaves at the table.

How do we know about Saturnalia?

The early fifth century Roman writer Macrobius wrote Saturnalia, a guide to ancient Roman religion and lore.

Who were the Deva Victrix 20th Legion?

Legio vigesima Valeria victrix (Valerius Victorious Twentieth Legion) was a legion of the Imperial Roman army, founded by the Emperor Augustus. They were based at the fort of Deva Victrix, modern day Chester.

What will you hear the Romans say?

The Roman soldiers will chant Io Saturnalia, the characteristic shout or salutation of the festival.

Why do the Roman soldiers carry torches?

Saturnalia is a festival of light leading to the winter solstice. The presence of candles or torches symbolise the quest for knowledge and truth.

Who was in charge of the Saturnalia?

The master of ceremonies was Saturnalicius princeps who was appointed by lot and he has been compared to the medieval Lord of Misrule who appears in Chester's medieval Winter Watch parade. His commands had to be obeyed by the other guests at the celebration and the future emperor Nero is recorded as playing the role in his youth.

When is the 2015 Saturnalia in Chester?

The Saturnalia parade will start from the Grosvenor Museum on Thursday, December 17, at 6.15pm and proceeds via the Roman Amphitheatre along St John Street to the Eastgate, originally the main entrance to the Roman Fortress.

The gates at the Eastgate will opened and torches will be lit by the Roman legionaries before they proceed along Eastgate Street to Northgate Street, where they will meet up with the Winter Watch parade.

The Roman legionaries will lead the Winter Watch at 7pm via St Werburgh Street and Eastgate Street to The Cross where they will send the procession on its way along Bridge Street and Northgate Street to the Town Hall.

There’s also a free lantern-making workshop for children from 5.45 until 6.15pm at the Grosvenor Museum on December 17 so that they can make their own lantern and join in the Saturnalia parade.