Equirria

• Equirria were two Ancient Roman Festivals held as part of the worship the God Mars, the Roman God of War.

Dates

1. February 27th:
   • Equirria was celebrated as was the last festival to Mars of the old year.
2. March 14th:
   • Equirria was then held again as the first festival to Mars for the new year.

The Roman Campaigning Season

• The Roman Campaigning Season opened with the Festival to Mars, Equirria, on March 14th.
• It closed with the ‘October Horse’ (Equus), another festival to Mars, on October 15th.

Chariot Racing

• Equirria was originally held on the Campus Martius with two horse chariot racing using the Biga chariot.

Decline of Equirria

• In the Empire, the festival was seen as archaic and no longer marked by Chariot Racing.
• The Equirria had been replaced by the more popular four horse Roman Chariot Races held in the Circus Maximus.