How many holidays did the ancient Romans have?

Answer 1

The Romans had some 90 religious festivals in a calendar year. Some were just religious ceremonies, some of them lasted for one day and some lasted for several days. Some festivals also included games, usually chariot races.

Answer 2

Ohhh Yes! The Romans seemed to have more special holidays than they had togas. There was always some remembrance or procession honoring some god or event going on. However, these were not always State holidays where no business could be conducted. The larger festivals were celebrated with events in the theater or arena or even in the streets like the Lupercalia. The most famous and fun was the Saturnalia, which started on December 17th and lasted about two weeks. It was like our Halloween and Christmas rolled into one. Gifts were exchanged, slaves didn't have to work and their masters waited on them (for one day, at least). Emperors gave public banquets in the Forum. Practical jokes were played and everyone dressed outlandishly. Even stuffy old senators let loose and joined in the general fun.