Lupercalia
noun
Lu·per·ca·lia
ˌlü-pər-ˈkā-lē-ə 
-ˈkāl-yə
: an ancient Roman festival celebrated February 15 to ensure fertility for the people, fields, and flocks
Examples of Lupercalia in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At the end of the 5th century, the celebration of Lupercalia was forbidden by Pope Gelasius I, who is often attributed with replacing it with St. Valentine’s Day, according to Britannica.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
Dating back to ancient Rome, the holiday originated with the feast of Lupercalia, celebrated from February 13 to 15.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2025
Here’s a poem for Valentine’s Day, incorporating the history of the day with its romantic lore:
In ancient Rome, mid-February's day,
Lupercalia's feast, where men would play.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024
The holiday may have been placed in mid-February to commemorate the death of St. Valentine, or as a way for Christian leaders to incorporate Lupercalia, a pagan fertility festival that was celebrated Feb. 15.
—Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 13 Feb. 2024
While Mardi Gras is celebrated in areas where Catholicism is widely practiced, some theories say the holiday's roots may tie into pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, like Saturnalia and Lupercalia, according to history.com.
—Keisha Rowe, The Courier-Journal, 13 Feb. 2024
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Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025
Dating back to ancient Rome, the holiday originated with the feast of Lupercalia, celebrated from February 13 to 15.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 14 Feb. 2025
Here’s a poem for Valentine’s Day, incorporating the history of the day with its romantic lore:
In ancient Rome, mid-February's day,
Lupercalia's feast, where men would play.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024
The holiday may have been placed in mid-February to commemorate the death of St. Valentine, or as a way for Christian leaders to incorporate Lupercalia, a pagan fertility festival that was celebrated Feb. 15.
—Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 13 Feb. 2024
While Mardi Gras is celebrated in areas where Catholicism is widely practiced, some theories say the holiday's roots may tie into pagan celebrations of spring and fertility, like Saturnalia and Lupercalia, according to history.com.
—Keisha Rowe, The Courier-Journal, 13 Feb. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Lupercalia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Lupercalia. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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