The Quirinalia was celebrated annually on February 17 to honor Quirinus, identified with the deified Romulus, Rome's legendary founder. As one of Rome's major deities alongside Jupiter and Mars, Quirinus represented the Roman people assembled for civic duties. The festival marked the end of the Fornacalia period, earning the nickname "Feast of Fools" for latecomers. In poetry, Quirinalia evokes themes of civic identity, divine kingship, and the transformation from mortal hero to god, appearing in works that celebrate Roman origins and the sanctification of political power.

Quirinalia on February 17 honored Quirinus, the deified Romulus and patron of Roman citizens in their civil capacity. The festival emphasizes Quirinus's role as protector of the populus Romanus and the religious dimensions of Roman citizenship. Understanding Quirinalia helps illuminate Roman deification practices and how legendary founders received ongoing worship. The festival's emphasis on civil rather than military aspects of Roman identity distinguishes Quirinus from Mars, showing religious recognition of Rome's peaceful civic functions alongside martial glory.