What is Vulcanalia?

Vulcanalia is a festival from the Roman religion to honor the Roman God, Vulcan, or in Greek culture he is called Hephaestus, who is the God of beneficial and destructive fire and also blacksmiths. This festival is held every year and even celebrated to this day on August 23rd. "During the Vulcanalia festival, games were held and bonfires were created in his honor into which live fish or small animals were thrown as sacrificial offerings" (Pizzorusso). Also, "Since the holiday occurred during the harvest season, the temples and celebrations were held outside the city limits to avoid fires in the city itself"(Pizzorusso).

Who is Vulcan?

Vulcan is the Roman God of beneficial and destructive fire. But he is also the God of blacksmiths. in Greek culture he is known as Hephaestus. He is the son of Jupiter and Juno. When he was born Juno thought that he was so ugly that she thew him out of the heavens (Alchin). He ironically the Ugliest God married the Goddess Venus, the Goddess of Beauty. Vulcan is the one one who makes a lot of the armor and weapons for the other gods (Alchin). For example, he made Jupiter's Lightning bolt (Alchin).

Why Do the Romans Celebrate Vulcanalia?

The Romans celebrated Vulcan during the harvest season so they would pray that the grain stock and field would not  be destroyed by fires in the coming years (Pizzorusso). In the year 64 A.D. Rome had a devastating fire that left two-thirds of Rome in ruins (Backround). then in year 79 A.D. on August 24 the eruption of Vesuvius happened (Wallace). the eruption lasted for more than twenty-four hours, many corpses are still being found today from the lava flow (Wallace). It is because of these event that Vulcanalia was made. It is celebrated before the anniversary of the eruption of Vesuvius so that it would not happen again. As i mentioned before the people would make bonfires, sacrifice small animals, and eat and drink.

Vulcanalia Today.

Today Vulcanalia has become more of a concert type festival, or like a fair. But there are some rituals that are devoted for Vulcan, such as the fire dances. Here are some videos from recent years.

Works Cited.

Sources:

Alchin, Linda. "Vulcan." Vulcan. N.p., 2015. Web. 26 Nov. 2016. 

"Background." PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2016.

Pizzorusso, Ann. "Vulcanalia - Napoli Unplugged." Napoli Unplugged. N.p., 23 Jan. 2014. Web. 15              Nov. 2016.

Wallace- Hadrill, Andrew. "Pompeii: Portents of Disaster." BBC.co.uk. N.p., 29 Mar. 2011. Web. 26             Nov.   2016.