Neptunalia is an ancient Roman festival lasting for two days and honoring Neptune, god of the waters. The holiday was celebrated at the height of the arid summer, when water was both scarce and precious. Neptunalia was a grand community event; people built temporary tents and shelters to protect them from the sun and engaged in games, races, and feasting.
You can create a Neptunalia for your friends! Share food, play games outdoors (badminton, croquet, bocce ball, horseshoes), and provide at least one shelter tent. A fountain, a water basin, or even a wading pool would be an appropriate focal element. At the celebration's peak, invite everyone into the tent to participate in a water-sharing ceremony, passing a consecrated pitcher of water and inviting everyone to fill their own cups. Drink to Neptune, proclaiming: "May we never thirst!" |