Veneralia

Veneralia is one of the oldest celebrations in the ancient Roman calendar — a feast day honoring Venus, goddess of love, beauty, and desire, marking the arrival of spring and the dawning of the new year. For thousands of years, women gathered to celebrate feminine sexuality not as something shameful or hidden, but as a sacred and generative force at the very heart of life itself.

For the third year, Eleanor O'Brien — Artistic Director of Dance Naked Creative — revives this ancient tradition in the Pacific Northwest.

We gather for a water purification ceremony, then walk the labyrinth in silence, releasing what no longer serves. We ascend to one of the highest points in Portland, where a circle of ancient trees holds the sky and the city stretches out below. We sing. We light candles as dusk falls. We bring our offerings to Mama Gaia.

A ritual of purification, presence, gratitude, and frolic. Because desire is sacred. Spring is here. The year begins again.

Wednesday, April 1st · 5:30–7:30pm Wear comfortable shoes for a short walk and gentle incline. Weather dependent — heavy rain will reschedule. Location details shared upon registration.

Limited to 20 souls · $20 offering All proceeds benefit Igniting Desire, Eleanor's new work premiering at Fertile Ground Festival.