feriae publicae

In ancient Rome, feriae were festival days dedicated to honoring gods, during which all business, particularly legal matters, was suspended. There were two main types: feriae privatae, observed by families to commemorate personal or ancestral events, and feriae publicae, which were holidays for all Romans.1

Feriae publicae were further categorized into:
* Feriae stativae: Held annually on a fixed date.
* Feriae conceptivae: Movable festivals appointed by priests or magistrates.
* Feriae imperativae: Observed at official command during emergencies or after victories.1

These public festivals typically involved prayers, sacrifices, and temple visits, often including feasts. Christian holidays eventually replaced this system. Examples of specific festivals include the Parentalia (February 13-21) for honoring the dead and the Feriae Latinae in spring and fall on Mons Albanus. The ludi publici, or public games, were also a form of public spectacle, distinct from funeral rites, featuring chariot races and theatrical performances.1234