about the Latin Fall Festivus
This annual competition for Memphis-area Latin students began in 2008 as the Octoberfestivus. This event is now held in November - primarily because of numerous October scheduling conflicts - and is known simply as the Latin Fall Festivus.
The purpose of this event is to promote Latin and generate enthusiasm for classical studies, to offer West Tennessee students the same type of local event available to Latin students in other parts of the state, and to preserve the tradition of the old Mid-South Latin Tournament.
The Latin Fall Festivus is not affiliated with the Tennessee Junior Classical League. TJCL does not provide support for this event, and TJCL membership is not required for students to attend.
Is Festivus an authentic Roman celebration? Not exactly. The name was inspired by (1) the Latin phrase dies festus (or festivus), a generic Roman holiday, (2) Oktoberfest, the iconic German celebration, and (3) Festivus, the American pseudo-holiday popularized by a 1997 episode of Seinfeld.
Approximately 200-250 students attend the Latin Fall Festivus each year. A half-day Saturday event, typical competitions include:
Here is the preliminary information packet for the 2023 Latin Fall Festivus.
The purpose of this event is to promote Latin and generate enthusiasm for classical studies, to offer West Tennessee students the same type of local event available to Latin students in other parts of the state, and to preserve the tradition of the old Mid-South Latin Tournament.
The Latin Fall Festivus is not affiliated with the Tennessee Junior Classical League. TJCL does not provide support for this event, and TJCL membership is not required for students to attend.
Is Festivus an authentic Roman celebration? Not exactly. The name was inspired by (1) the Latin phrase dies festus (or festivus), a generic Roman holiday, (2) Oktoberfest, the iconic German celebration, and (3) Festivus, the American pseudo-holiday popularized by a 1997 episode of Seinfeld.
Approximately 200-250 students attend the Latin Fall Festivus each year. A half-day Saturday event, typical competitions include:
- Academic Testing
- Art Contests
- Mythology Spelling Bee
- Costume Contest
- Catapult Contest
- Feats of Strength (classical-themed athletic events)
- Airing of Grievances (a monologue competition)
- Certamen
- Trigon
Here is the preliminary information packet for the 2023 Latin Fall Festivus.