Announcement: Roma February 2019 Lupercalia and Equirria Festival

Saturday, 23rd February

10am - Lupercalia Ritual and The Running of the Luperci
In celebration of this most ancient of festivals we will be performing a Roman ritual for Faunus Lupercus, the God of Wild Things and Lupa, the shewolf who nourished the founding fathers Romulus and Remus. After the rite, we will have the Running of The Luperci - half-naked youths who bless the young ladies of the city. The women will run ahead of the Luperci, who will lightly flog them with the goatskin floggers in hopes of fertility (both of mind and body). Following the ritual, we will have our traditional Lupercalia dancing in the garden - and clothing is optional!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/180/131/42
Luper Cave


11am - Venus' Truth
A variation on our popular Ask Venus event -- this time, Venus would love to hear your poems of love and romance. Come join our beautiful Goddess in the Baths of Caracalla, to lounge, swim, and share the prose and poetry of love!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/147/35/23
Baths of Caracalla

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Sunday, 24th February

10am - Equirria Legion Blessing Ritual & ROMA Chariot Races
The Legio, in a time honored military display, will present arms and come to be blessed for the new year. After the blessing, we will have chariot races in honour of Mars - all are welcome to try their luck at racing a chariot and a grand prize will be awarded to the victor!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/213/140/40
Hippodrome Circus Seating


12pm - Lupercalia Grand Feast
Join us for an evening of feasting, dancing, and good company, as well as Live Music by Sassy Nitely! You may opt to wear barbarian/wild outfits in honour of the Lupercalia if you wish.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/239/225/25
Roma Concert


1pm - Legio Half-naked Harpastum
A standard harpastum (Roman football/soccer) game with a Lupercalia twist! Participants may be topless for this event!

Be careful out there - don't let the other players distract you with their charms!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/82/233/42
Legio XIII Fort/Harpastum

Announcement: 2019 ROMA Paganalia Festival Schedule

Saturday, 26 January

10am - Roman Paganalia Ritual and Feast
In celebration of Paganalia, the Roman festival of sowing, we will be performing a ritual to honour Ceres (the goddess of agriculture) and Tellus (Mother Earth), followed by a feast in Collegia Religio Romana. Come join us in celebrating the beginning of the Paganalia!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Vinovium/110/231/24

12pm - Croc Race
You may have explored ROMA's Cloaca Maxima before, but have you ever raced through it on the back of a crocodile? Well now you can! Our Cloaca Croc Race will be a timed race, with the 3 best times winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Can you navigate your croc through to victory before the competition? Join the race and find out!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/211/11/580

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Sunday, 27 January

12pm - Paganalia Grand Feast

ROMA's Paganalia Festival  continues with an evening of feasting and dancing. Live music will be provided by Franklee Anatra - so come dance the night away to good tunes and great company!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/193/220/27

1pm - Legio XIII Death-match
Come watch our brave soldiers challenge each other in a a brutal death match on a rope bridge

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/79/188/42

The 2018 Roma Lupercalia Weekend

Second Life has a number of historical roleplay communities. Probably the best known one, Roma, entertains both residents and visitors with monthly festivals. For the month of February, their festival was based on ancient Rome's Lupercalia. The festival back then was best known for naked men smacking women with thongs made from hide. But the residents of Roma did more for the Second Life version.

Read the story in Events.

Burn2 Radical Ritual Gets Off To A Firey Start

The biggest annual art and music festival, Burn2, is under way. There are five sims of art exhibits and music events. Newser writer Klaus Bereznyak, whom is himself part of the Burn2 volunteer staff, took a look around, taking in the sights and sounds, and wrote down his experiences. So what did he see?

Read Klaus' story in Events.

Burn2 Starts Tomorrow

The largest and longest running yearly art and music festival, Burn2, will be starting tomorrow. Originally called Burning Life, Burn2 is the inworld version of the Burning Man festival that takes place every year in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. It's notable that while coming up with Second Life, members of the early Linden Lab attended Burning Man, and the event was a partial inspiration for the virtual world's development. In recent years, the popularity of the event has resulted in smaller spinnoff events throughout the year, though the "Octoburn" as it's come to be called remains the main one.

This year's festival will take place from Saturday October 21 to Sunday October 29. The theme, which always reflects the real-life Burning Man, will be "Radical Ritual." There are five sims of artistic exhibits and music events: Burning Man - Mirage, Burning Man - Limbo, Burning Man - Alkali, Burning Man - Black Rock, and Burning Man - Deep Hole.

Sadly, the real-life Burning Man festival was marked by tragedy this year when one man ran into the flames of the "Burning of The Man," and later died of his injuries. While no harm will come to your avatar in the virtual event, all visitors are asked to comply with the requests of the volunteer staff.

For more information, check the website at http://www.burn2.org/

Pictures: https://www.flickr.com/groups/burn2/pool/

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/224/92/25 (Closed until October 21)

Image from Daark Gothly

Bixyl Shuftan

Building Begins For Burn2 Radical Ritual in October

Besides Halloween, October in Second Life is also known for the main Burn2 festival. Although the "Burners" as they're called have spinoff events around the year, October has always been the time of the original of the yearly events, based on the real-life Burning Man festival in Black Rock Nevada and originally called Burning Life, that have taken place in Second Life from it's first year. Klaus Bereznyak had a look at the preparations for the "Octoburn" from the scene of the event as the people behind it get ready. This year's theme: "Radical Ritual."

Read more in Design.

ROMA May Festival Schedule

Saturday, 27th May

10am - Bona Dea Ritual and Maypole Dance
Our festivals begin with a ritual for Bona Dea, "The Good Goddess" - Also known as Fauna, She is the daughter of Faunus, and a goddess of virginity, fertility, and healing. Bona Dea's rites included only women - even paintings or drawings of men or male animals were forbidden - but in our ROMA, the menfolk are welcome to her rites. After the rite, we will have the traditional maypole dance, music, and wine!
Insula, ROMA Insula (221, 100, 21)


12pm - Faunalia Fishing Contest
As Flora is a goddess of green, growing things, so Fauna is a goddess of all who sport fur, feathers, or... scales! Come try your luck in the Faunalia Fishing Contest - catch and collect beautiful pets and have a chance at winning prizes - using the 7Seas Fishing system,  1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners receive cash prizes.
Transtiberim, ROMA Transtiberim (128, 9, 22)


1pm -  Mercuralia Ritual and Treasure Hunt
Mercury isn't just the herald of the Gods - He's also the patron of merchants and commerce! So this Mercuralia, we will be honouring him with a ritual on the roof of Trajan's Market! After the ritual, there will be Mercury's Treasure Hunt - Mercury has dropped his parcels and most of his money while flying home to Olympus! The pouches are now scattered throughout ROMA!  Can you help him find them? But watch out - each pouch will give out only one prize, and then it will disappear. So you will have to be swift to find these elusive pouches before anyone else does!
The Original Ancie, ROMA (184, 41, 26)


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Sunday, 28st May

10am - Fauna's Costume Contest
The Goddess Fauna has been drinking again and has mischievously transformed some of our Citizens into animals! Are you one of them? If so, come to our costume contest and show off your new wild side! This contest theme allows quad, anthro, human/animal hybrids, and human avatars with animated animal props as part of the costume ensemble. Winners will be chosen by popular vote, and prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
ROMA Gardens, ROMA (179, 218, 53)


12pm - The Mercury and Fauna Grand Feast
Our Festival winds down with the Mercury and Fauna Grand Feast - come celebrate the return of Spring with us! Dancing, good conversation, live music by Franklee Anatra and a delicious feast.
Transtiberim, ROMA Transtiberim (199, 194, 29)


1pm - Legio Harpastum
Harpastum, also known as Harpustum, was a form of ball game played in the Roman Empire. We know little about the exact rules of the game, but it appears to bear a remarkable resemblance to American Football and Rugby. In our harpastum game, everyone is welcome to play, and the winning team members will receive a cash prize.
Legio XIII Fort, ROMA Transtiberim (25, 217, 41)

Announcement: Roma Spring Festival

Saturday 29th
10am - Cerealia Ritual & Corn Maze
The Cerealia is the Roman festival honouring the Goddess Ceres - she who holds sway over the fruitfulness of the Earth entire, and without whom Flora's efforts would be in vain. In keeping with this ancient tradition, we will be having a ritual in Ceres' honour, followed by a challenging Corn Maze. The first, second, and third to find their way through the maze from the entrance to the exit will win prizes - but you must find Proserpina and retrieve Her token before you can exit! Can you beat the Labyrinth in time? Come find out!
Collegia Isle, ROMA Vinovium (154, 151, 550) - Moderate
Maritima Water, ROMA Vinovium (109, 105, 1225) - Moderate


12pm - Festum Veris Egg Hunt
 In Flora's honour, we will have a sim wide egg hunt in Transtiberim. Every egg contains a prize, and some even have cash, so don't miss it!
Transtiberim Path, ROMA Transtiberim (58, 34, 45) - Moderate


1pm - Floralia Ritual and Flower Building Contest
Come celebrate the Roman version of Easter with us! The Floralia is the festival of the Goddess Flora, patron of flowers and spring fertility. In Flora's honour, we will have a ritual, followed by our Floralia Flower Building Contest. Basic building materials will be provided - and the contest winner will recieve a $L1000 prize!
Maritima Water, ROMA Vinovium (105, 105, 550) - Moderate
Maritima Water, ROMA Vinovium (132, 131, 550) - Moderate

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Sunday 30th
10am - Veneralia Ritual
Our festivals begin with a ritual for Venus Verticordia, "The Changer of Hearts" - to petition Venus for support and aid in one's lovelife. After the rite, Venus invites you to Her romantic al fresco (all'aperto) banquet, where we'll share food and have readings of love poetry as well - so bring your favourite poems or even those you've written yourself!
ROMA Gardens, ROMA (149, 201, 53) - Moderate


12pm - Festum Veris Grand Feast
Our Spring Festival culminate with the Festum Veris (Spring Festival) Grand Feast - come dance under the springtime stars with us! We will also have live music by Max Kleene. We promise cool tunes, wild dancing, and all around good fun - so come let your hair down in true ROMA fashion!
Transtiberim, ROMA Transtiberim (199, 194, 29) - Moderate


1pm - Legion Bread Race
The Legion has to run on a mission but they need bread! The citizens must help them getting items to cook bread and bring it to the soldiers. The top 3 relay racers will win prizes!
Legio XIII Fort, ROMA Transtiberim (85, 186, 41) - Moderate

Announcement: Roma's November Festival

10:00 a.m. Ludi Plebeii Ritual
The beginning of the Ludi Plebeii is the Feast of The Capitoline Triad. We will begin at the temple on Capitoline Hill, where a ritual to ask for Their blessings will be performed.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/23/209/79

Immediately after the ritual, we will gather in the Plaza to dedicate the new Trajan Column.  Then, the feast will begin in the plaza - with food, wine, and dancing.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/23/209/79

11:30 a.m. ROMA Chariot Races
In honour of Jupiter, Best and Greatest, Divine Mother Juno, and Wise Minerva, there will be chariot racing in the  Hippodrome! We invite all to come join in this spectacle, to cheer on the racers. Everyone is welcome to race. There will be cash prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finalists!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA/23/209/79


1:00 p.m. Legio Martial Games
 The Legio will sponsor mud-wrestling games, and other athletic entertainment for you to enjoy. All are welcome to join in!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ROMA%20Transtiberim/77/222/42

Announcement: This Weekend's Festival at Roma

Saturday, 27th August
10am - Nemoralia Ritual & Fantasy Costume Contest
This month's festivals begin with a ritual for Diana & Trivia (Hecate, to you Greeks) honouring these Goddesses of the wild and the darkness. After the ritual, we'll be having a party with dancing, music, and a costume contest -- the costume theme is Woodland Fantasy Creatures, and the prize is $L1000 for the winner!
Transtiberim (106, 29, 30)

12pm - Nemoralia Treasure Hunt
Diana and Trivia have scattered treasure across ROMA Transtiberim for Their faithful worshippers to find! Come join us in seeking to discover the hidden bounty! Finding yourself in need of a few Linden? Perhaps the Goddesses will provide! Come hunt with us and fill your purses!
Transtiberim (58, 34, 45)

1pm - Vinalia Rustica Gacha Party
The ancient Vinalia Rustica was a celebration of the grape and the fruits of the Earth - and we'll be gathering together to drink and swap/sell all our extra gacha items! Do you have unwanted gachas cluttering your inventory? Here's your chance to get rid of them, and pick up some new swag in the process. We can't guarantee your inventory will be lighter afterward, but at least you'll have new things to treasure!
ROMA Vinovium (93, 114, 24)

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Sunday, 28th August
10am - Vulcanalia Ritual & Build Contest
Our second day of festivals begins with a ritual to honour Vulcan, the God of the Forge, and asking His blessing on all our crafts. Since He was also the God of Volcanos and fire, we will also have a building contest -- The theme is Metalcraft, and you can create anything which fits within that limit: weapons, silver tea service, jewelry, even artistic works reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower! All contestants will have 1 hour to build, and all are welcome, regardless of building skill-level!
ROMA Vinovium (35, 138, 4020)

12pm -  The Fires in the Night Grand Feast
Our festivals begin to wind down with the Grand Feast in honour of Diana, Trivia, and Vulcan - come dance with us as the flames flare into the night! Live music by FrankLee Anatra -- don't miss it!

ROMA Transtiberim (199, 194, 29)

Lupercalia at Roma

On the weekend of February 21 and 22, the Roma historical roleplay community held their Lupercalia festival. For those who don't know, it was a Roman predecessor to Valentines Day, though very different from it's modern replacement. The festival included a number of events from horse racing to dances. But it began with a recreation of the ancient Roman ritual for the holiday. Deaflegacy was there, and wrote about it.

Read Deaflegacy's article in Events.

Reader Submitted: Roma's Bellonalia Festival

Melanippe Karas sent over some pictures of the Bellonalia ritual at the Roman community.

The event was a roleplayed ritual for the Roman goddess of war Bellona.

The event took place at Sunday June 29 at 10 AM as part of the  Bellonalia Festival that took place that weekend. Other events included a chariot race, and a parade.

Today in Roma

10am - Bellonalia Ritual
Our festivals begin with a ritual for Bellona, the Roman Goddess of War - sister of Mars, and Spiritual Mother of ROMA's Amazons. After the ritual, we will have chariot races in Bellona's honour, with prizes for the victors!

ROMA Subura Street, ROMA Subura (52, 112, 23)


12pm - The Bellona & Vesta Grand Feast
Our Festivals culminate with the Bellona & Vesta Grand Feast - our wind-down party from the hectic Bellonalia Chariot Races! Come dance with us to some wonderful  tunes by the wonderful Lyndon Heart and pleasant conversation!

Transtiberim Path, ROMA Transtiberim (177, 105, 21


1pm - Legion Relay Race
In honour of this month's festivals, the Legio has decided to conclude them with a relay race through Transtiberim! Racers will be organised into 3 man teams - which will gather items needed to bake bread for Vesta, prepare them, and present the baked bread at the finish line. This is a timed race, and the 3 best times will recieve cash prizes!

Legion XIII, ROMA Transtiberim (138, 187, 42)

The 2014 Roma Lupercalia Weekend

Last weekend, the Roma community held it's Lupercalia Festival. Lupercalia was an annual event in Rome, with a ritual followed by naked young men flogging women with goatskins, which would supposedly grant them fertility. Second Life's Romans did the ritual, with their own special twists, plus a number of other events over the two day period.

Read more in Events.

2014 ROMA Lupercalia Festival

On the weekend of February 22 and 23, the Roma region will be having it's Lupercalia Festival. The main event takes place on 10AM SL time: Lupercalia Ritual and The Running of the Luperci

In celebration of this most ancient of festivals we will be performing a Roman ritual for Faunus Lupercus, the God of Wild Things and Lupa, the she-wolf who nourished the founding fathers Romulus and Remus. After the rite, we will have the Running of The Luperci - half-naked youths who bless the citizens of the city. The citizens will run ahead of the Luperci, who will lightly flog them with the goatskin floggers in hopes of fertility (both of mind and body). Following the ritual, we will have our traditional Lupercalia Feast - and clothing is optional!

The event takes place at ROMA Transtiberim (68, 200, 54).

Other events are the Wolf Hunt on Saturday at Noon SL time, and "Venus' Truth or Consequences" at 1PM, Sunday's events are the "Name That Quote Trivia" contest at 10AM SL time, the Grand Feast at Noon SL time, and a game of Harpastum, an ancient form of football, at 1PM SL time.