Lupercalia was a pagan festival celebrated in ancient Rome. This festival was dedicated to the god Lupercus, who was the god of fertility and shepherds. The festival was held on February 15th, and it involved various rituals and ceremonies. During Lupercalia, priests known as Luperci would gather at the Lupercal, a cave on the Palatine Hill, which was believed to be the site where Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome, were raised by a she-wolf. The priests would sacrifice goats and a dog, after which the goat's hide would be cut into strips. The priests would then run through the streets of Rome, wearing the goat's hide as loincloths, and they would whip the people they encountered with the strips of hide.
“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe we’re getting one!” was the reaction of Fort Collins resident Irene Nissen when she read the announcement in August about the new store-within-a-store partnership between The Walt Disney Co. and Target Corp.
A joyous explosion of color, set to Tchaikovsky s inspired score, Canyon Concert Ballet s The Nutcracker is sure to enchant audiences from the very first moment the curtains open. Peterson allowed that she liked Disney World better because it has more attractions, and Nissen said her family has had annual passes to the Florida park.
The priests would then run through the streets of Rome, wearing the goat's hide as loincloths, and they would whip the people they encountered with the strips of hide. It was believed that these whippings would cleanse the city and protect it from evil spirits, as well as promote fertility and ensure the health of pregnant women. Afterwards, a lottery would be held to pair up young men and women for the duration of the festival.
The Annual Nutcracker Ballet Brings a Festive Favorite to Fort Collins
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Fort Collins will be swept up in the magic of the season this December as Canyon Concert Ballet brings to life the annual classic Holiday favorite, The Nutcracker – performing at The Lincoln Center. CCB will entertain communities across the region with this magical story, celebrating a classical well-loved family ballet.
Canyon Concert Ballet annually brings the well-known family favorite Nutcracker story to the stage, entertaining all ages and bringing a little Holiday Cheer to all who watch, kicking off the Holiday Season’s festivities. This year will be bigger than ever, incorporating Canyon Concert Ballet’s professional company, the students from Canyon Concert Ballet School, and internationally renowned guest artists. The performance will also be accompanied by the Fort Collins Symphony under the musical direction of Conductor Wes Kenney.
On Christmas Eve, young Clara falls asleep after the family Christmas party. As the clock strikes midnight, Clara is transported to a wonderful world where toys become larger than life, her beloved Nutcracker defends her from the evil Mouse King and stunning Snowflakes dance delicately. A joyous explosion of color, set to Tchaikovsky’s inspired score, Canyon Concert Ballet’s The Nutcracker is sure to enchant audiences from the very first moment the curtains open.
This year Canyon Concert Ballet’s new Nutcracker will take to the stage under the direction of Artistic Director, Michael Pappalardo. Originally choreographed in 2017, his critically acclaimed Nutcracker brings this holiday tradition to life. This year audiences will also see some new candy characters in the Land of the Sweets, a magical new growing tree, and an exquisite Snow Scene.
“I am so excited to restage this magical production for the Northern Colorado and Fort Collins communities. Dancing in many versions of the Nutcracker throughout my career, I was excited to re-create this magical Christmas production for audiences,” said Artistic Director, Michael Pappalardo.
(Photo by Canyon Concert Ballet)The Nutcracker – The Lincoln Center
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9-11, 2022 11 am, 2 pm & 7 pm Shows
Nissen works on the side as a travel adviser with Upon A Star Travel, helping people make their own Disney memories. She and her husband, Mark, have a YouTube channel to document their family life and a Disney-infused website, WonderfulWorldofWalter.com.
These pairings often led to marriages, and it was considered a good omen to be matched during Lupercalia. Lupercalia was a festival closely associated with fertility and purification. It was believed to bring blessings and protection to the city of Rome and its people. Throughout the festival, people would participate in various rituals and ceremonies to honor Lupercus and ensure the well-being of themselves and their community. Overall, Lupercalia was a unique and significant pagan festival that played a significant role in the ancient Roman culture. Although it has long been forgotten, it is remembered as an important part of Roman history and religious practices..
Reviews for "Lupercalia: Ancient Roman Traditions Still Relevant Today"
1. Sarah M. - 2 stars
I was really excited to attend the Pagan festival dedicated to Lupercalia, as I had heard so much about it. However, I was quite disappointed with the overall experience. The organization of the event was chaotic, with long queues, limited seating, and disinterested staff. The performances were lackluster and did not live up to the hype. The food vendors were overpriced, and the quality of the food was mediocre at best. Overall, I found the festival to be underwhelming and not worth the time or money.
2. John P. - 1 star
Attending the Pagan festival dedicated to Lupercalia was an absolute waste of my time. The event lacked any sense of authenticity or cultural significance. It felt more like a cheap attempt to capitalize on a popular trend rather than a genuine celebration. The activities were uninspired, and the vendors were mostly selling cheap trinkets and merchandise. The entire event felt rushed and poorly organized. I would not recommend attending this festival unless you have a deep interest in being disappointed.
3. Emily H. - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the Pagan festival dedicated to Lupercalia, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The main issue was the lack of proper information and guidance provided to attendees. There were no clear instructions on where to go or what activities were available. The atmosphere was chaotic and felt unorganized. The performances were mediocre and the overall ambiance left much to be desired. The festival had potential, but it needs significant improvements in organization and execution to truly captivate attendees.
4. Brian G. - 1 star
I regret attending the Pagan festival dedicated to Lupercalia. The event appeared promising, but it quickly became apparent that it was a disorganized and poorly executed affair. The lack of clear signage and information led to confusion and frustration among attendees. The vendors were overpriced, and the products on offer felt generic and uninteresting. The performances were underwhelming, and the whole experience lacked any sense of wonder or magic. I would advise against attending this festival unless you enjoy wasting your time and money.