Neptunalia

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Neptunalia was an ancient Roman festival honoring Neptune, the god of water. It was a two-day celebration held in the heat of summer, probably on July 23. The day was one of the dies comitiales, when Roman citizens could vote on public matters, and the calendar also calls it Neptunalia or Neptunus ludi, suggesting that games were part of the celebration.

Not much is known about the ceremonies. People built huts or shade structures from branches and foliage (umbrae) and likely feasted, drank, and enjoyed themselves inside them. Some sources say the festival included games, though the exact rites are unclear.

Over time, Neptunalia is said to have lost its religious meaning and became a more general summer celebration. In some accounts, a similar tradition survives in Sousse, Tunisia, where it is known as the Carnival of Awussu.