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).