The Barony of Loch Soilleir invites you to celebrate the new year and a bountiful spring harvest as we host the festival of Ludi Florales at Loch Guardian with games to test those who would stand as the next Baronial Champions!
We will be hosting Baronial Championships in the following fields:
Chivalric
Rapier
Archery
Thrown Weapons
Youth Archery
Registration:
Adult Registration: $30
Discounted Member Registration: $20
Youth 17 and under: FREE
Luncheon Feast included!
SCHEDULE:
Friday
- 5 pm - Site opens to public
Saturday
- 8 am - Gate opens
- 9:30 am - Morning Court
- 10:00 am (or immediately after court) - Armored and Rapier armor inspections
- 10:30 am - Royal Lancer begins
- 10:30 am - Armored and Rapier tournaments begin
- 12:00 pm - Laurels and Royals Lunch open
- 12:30 pm - Lunch open for all
- 12:30 pm - Laurel circle (1 hour)
- 1:30 pm - Baronial Equestrian begins
- 1:30 pm - Adult Archery begins
- 2:00 pm - Gate closes
- 2:00 pm - Thrown Weapons begins
- 2:30 pm - Youth Archery begins
- 4:00 pm - Golden Lance Circle (1 hour)
- 4:30 pm - All competitions concluded and fields closed
- 5:00 pm - Evening Court
Sunday
- Noon - Site closed
Brief Context (from Wikipedia)
The Floralia was a festival of ancient Roman religion in honor of the goddess Flora - Roman goddess of flowers and spring - held on 27 April during the Republican era, or 28 April in the Julian calendar. The festival included Ludi Florae, the "Games of Flora", which lasted for six days under the empire.
The games (ludi) of Flora were presented by the plebeian aediles (elected office who maintains public buildings and festivals) and paid for by fines collected when public lands (ager publicus) were encroached upon. The festival opened with theatrical performances (ludi scaenici), and concluded with competitive events and spectacles at the Circus and a sacrifice to Flora.
Observances
Ovid (Roman poet) says that hares and goats—animals considered fertile and salacious—were ceremonially released as part of the festivities. Persius (Roman poet and satirist) says that the crowd was pelted with vetches, beans, and lupins, also symbols of fertility. In contrast to the Cerealia, when white garments were worn, multi-colored clothing was customary.
While we recognize the nature of the festival and games did also take on more adult themes, we are excited to honor the the goddess Flora and encourage her to bless and protect our harvests and blossoms. This festival also commemorates the cycle of birth, life, and death.
Also check out other Sports events in Guy, Festivals in Guy, Arts events in Guy.
