The Romans return to Chester celebrating Saturnalia

For Chester’s final festive parade on Thursday 11th December, Chester’s Deva Victrix 20th Legion take back control of their city as Chester Roman Tours celebrate Saturnalia.

“Let none of you be mistaken, the Romans are still here, at certain times of the year you will see us marching once more through our fortress.” The Emperor Domitian.

Yes, the Romans are on their way back to reclaim Chester for one night only. For Chester’s final festive parade on Thursday 11 December, Chester’s Deva Victrix 20th Legion take back control of their city as Chester Roman Tours celebrate Saturnalia. 

The parade leaves from the Grosvenor Museum at 6pm arriving in Eastgate Street  when the emperor will address his subjects.

Councillor Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future (Poverty, Public Health and Mental Health) said:

“The final festive parade in Chester joins together the fiery spectacle of the Roman Legion celebrating Saturnalia and a second chance to see the Winter Watch parade.

“The city will be under Roman occupation with the Roman Legion marching with flaming torches. Chester Roman Tours bring our festive parades to a fitting end with their shouts of ‘Lo Saturnalia’

“The Winter Watch parade will join forces with the Roman Saturnalia parade, at the Christmas Market in Town Hall Square at 7pm with the two parades marching through the city centre. Thanks go to Chester Roman Tours for sharing their festive parade and to the many performers, schools and volunteers who have entertained us over the past weeks.”

Paul Harston, Chester Roman Tours said:

"Deva Victrix leg XXVv.v has been providing Roman spectacles for the benefit of the city, for nearly 28yrs.  As our emperor says, the Romans are still here, please join us as we march through our fortress bringing the gift of light and releasing the Saturnalicius princeps (Lord of Misrule).”

Saturnalia was the feast at which the Romans commemorated the dedication of the temple of the god Saturn. Saturnalia was originally celebrated in Ancient Rome for only a day on December 17, but it was so popular it extended to a week, from the 17 to 23 December, despite Augustus' efforts to reduce it to three days, and Caligula's, to five.

Saturnalia became one of the most popular Roman festivals. It was marked by tomfoolery and reversal of roles, with slaves and masters switching places. Clothing was relaxed and included the peaked woollen cap that symbolised the freed slave. A member of the familia (family plus slaves) was appointed Saturnalicius princeps, roughly, Lord of Misrule.

Following the release of Chester’s Lord of Misrule at the Christmas Market in Town Hall Square, the Winter Watch Parade shares the stage for a final march through the city.

Chester Park and Ride is running late night services over Christmas, the last bus from Foregate Street will be 9pm on Thursdays.

Pictured - Saturnalia Parade (2024).