Pagan Festival Shout Out: Vinalia Priora

April 23rd is the annual pagan festival Vinalia Priora celebrated by ancient Romans. It is the first of two festivals dealing with wine. The Vinalia Priora was originally celebrated in honor of Jupiter and later became connected to the goddess Venus as well.


In its beginning, the Vinalia Priora was dedicated to honoring Jupiter. This is connected to the myth of the hero Aeneas, who promised Jupiter an offering of wines from Latium if he were to become victorious in a war against his enemies of different regions. Aeneas won the war, and therefore dedicated some of Latium's wine in Jupiter's name. This myth survived throughout the ages by the Romans people during the festival.