Volturnalia

The water god Volturnus

Volturnalia was established to honour Volturnus, who was recognized as a god of fountains and waters. Originally worshipped as a tribal river deity, his role developed over time until he was identified with the Tiber, the main river flowing through Rome. His lasting influence on the landscape is also preserved in the name of the Volturno River, located in southern Italy, reflecting how river systems held deep spiritual significance in ancient Roman religious life.

Honouring the goddess Juturna

The holiday also paid tribute to Juturna, the daughter of Volturnus. Recognized as a water goddess, she had sacred associations with different aquatic locations across the region. In earlier times, she was identified with a natural spring situated in Latium close to the Numicus River. Over time, her worship became tied to the heart of Rome itself, where she was connected to a pool located close to the Temple of Vesta within the Forum of Rome.

Feasts, wine, and games

To honour both Volturnus and Juturna, people observed the festival day through shared social customs and celebrations. The occasion was marked by communal feasting and the drinking of wine, bringing participants together in celebration. Alongside these festive banquets, organized games were held on the same day. Through this combination of dining, wine, and sporting entertainment, the community gathered to pay homage to the divine father and daughter who watched over their waters.

How Volturnalia is kept

Romans celebrated the festival of Volturnalia on August 27 by gathering together for public festivities. Participants honoured the water deity Volturnus alongside his daughter Juturna through shared meals, feasting, and the drinking of wine. During the day, the community also held organized games, creating a festive environment to venerate the deities associated with rivers, urban fountains, and sacred natural springs.

When and where

The festival was observed annually on August 27 in the ancient Roman calendar. This fixed calendar date served as a dedicated day of celebration for the water god Volturnus and the spring goddess Juturna.

The festival belonged to ancient Rome in Italy. The deities honoured during the celebration were closely associated with regional waters, including the Tiber, the Numicus River in Latium, and the southern Italian Volturno River.

What Volturnalia means

Volturnalia honoured the sacred power of freshwater, acknowledging Volturnus as the divine guardian of fountains, streams, and rivers. Together with his daughter Juturna, who watched over natural springs and urban pools, the deities represented the vital importance of water sources across ancient Rome and the surrounding landscape.

Questions people ask about Volturnalia

See also

Holy WeekThe solemn seven days leading to Easter, recalling the final week and Passion of JesusConclaveCardinals sealed in the Sistine Chapel, voting until two thirds agree on a new popeCamino de SantiagoA Christian walking pilgrimage across Europe to the shrine of Saint James in SpainStations of the CrossA Christian prayer journey following fourteen moments of the Passion of Jesus

Good reading and sources

• Volturnalia on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.