When Did Saturnalia Start?

Originally celebrated on December 17, Saturnalia was extended first to three and eventually to seven days. The date has been connected with the winter sowing season, which in modern Italy varies from October to January. Remarkably like the Greek Kronia, it was the liveliest festival of the year.

What year did Saturnalia begin?

Classicists date the work to between AD 383 and 430, so it describes a Saturnalia alive and well under Christian emperors. The Christian calendar of Polemius Silvus, written around AD 449, mentions Saturnalia, recording that 'it used to honour the god Saturn'.

Is Saturnalia still celebrated?

Where is Saturnalia celebrated? During the Roman period, Saturnalia was celebrated across the Roman Empire. Today, however, it is celebrated by reconstructionist pagans around the world.