The Anti-Valentine’s Day
The other February holiday
If you’re not in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is pretty awful. And if you are in a relationship, it’s not much better. Ironically, those in a solid relationship tend to forget Valentine’s Day. My husband remembers at the last minute and buys me browning, wilted roses from the gas station. The only couples I know who celebrate are the dysfunctional ones with obvious, well-known problems.
Being alone on Valentine’s Day sucks, but maybe a celebration of love and romance isn’t in the tea leaves for you this year. There’s Galentine’s Day, but if you’re looking for something a little less wholesome, try Lupercalia.
Mentioned in “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” Lupercalia was an orgiastic festival involving ritual sacrifices designed to both purify the city of Rome and celebrate fertility. It began several centuries before Christ and lasted until about 500 A.D.
Curious? It’s still being celebrated by some Pagan groups in the United States. There is generally less sex and flagellation involved in modern festivals (although not all). Here are some Lupercalia festivals taking place around the country this week:
February 12: 7pm at The Great Northern, San Francisco, CA
February 15: 9pm — 1am at Masquerade, Reno NV
February 15: 9 pm at Spirit, Pittsburgh, PA
February 15: 6:30 pm at Malliway Bros., Chicago IL
February 22: 7pm — 11pm at Ace Hotel New York (a “Lupercalia themed experience” produced by Viciouss Productions)
March 2: 7pm at the William Blake Lodge, Baltimore, MD
There are also several private groups on Meetup planning celebrations.
Or schedule your own Lupercalia festivities; that way you can make the party as wild or tame as you like. You’re definitely going to need to make some substitutions, though.
Ritual sacrifice is right out. It’s illegal and yucky. Flaying people might be out too, but if you’re all consenting adults, you do you. Running nude through the streets is frowned upon, but streaking through your living room (or maybe yard) is okay. Bacchanalian orgy? Up to you and your guests! There’s lots of potential for a fun party here, even if all you do is play drunk Twister or have a toga party.
Happy Lupercalia to you!
