Hodie Lupercalia celebramus

Nicolas Poussin, The Triumph of Pan, 1636 – The National Gallery, London

Lupercalia was a pagan festival held each year in ancient Rome on February 15 to purify the city, promoting health and fertility.

This festival was meant to celebrate the god Lupercus.

Lupercus was a protector of the farmers, harvesting and packs of wild animals. He was thought to have helped the she-wolf take care of Romulus and Remus, the twin brothers founder of Rome.

This is why Lupercalia was a celebration that was meant as a way to promote fertility, sex, procreation.

In Greek mythology, Lupercus represents a counterpart of the Fauns and is also depicted after Pan god of the wild, shepherds and flocks, nature of mountain wilds, rustic music and impromptus, and companion of the nymphs.