On this date in ancient Rome, a nature festival known as the Nonae Caprotinae (Nones of the Wild Figs) was celebrated in honor of the goddess Juno, the Great Mother. It is believed to be one of the oldest of the women's festivals.

In Tomar, Portugal, there is an annual parade in which girls balance flower-covered pillars of bread on their heads. This parade is beleived to ward off the spirits of illness for the remainder of the year.