A report on Pope Gelasius I and Lupercalia

Statue of Gelasius I, Schloss Stainz
Lupercalia most likely derives from lupus, "wolf", though both the etymology and its significance are obscure (bronze wolf's head, 1st century AD)
Image of c. AD 870 featuring the coronation of Charles the Bald, flanked by Gelasius I and Gregory the Great. Gelasius' writings gave him a high status with posterity.
The Lupercalian Festival in Rome (ca. 1578–1610), drawing by the circle of Adam Elsheimer, showing the Luperci dressed as dogs and goats, with Cupid and personifications of fertility
Caesar Refuses the Diadem (1894), when it was offered by Mark Antony during the Lupercalia

Closer to home, after a long contest Gelasius finally suppressed the ancient Roman festival of the Lupercalia, which had persisted for several generations among a nominally Christian population.

- Pope Gelasius I

Pope Gelasius I (494–96) claimed that only the "vile rabble" were involved in the festival and sought its forceful abolition; the Roman Senate protested that the Lupercalia was essential to Rome's safety and well-being.

- Lupercalia
Statue of Gelasius I, Schloss Stainz

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Blessing of candles on Candlemas at an American Episcopal church

Candlemas

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Christian holiday commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the Temple.

Christian holiday commemorating the presentation of Jesus at the Temple.

Blessing of candles on Candlemas at an American Episcopal church
Candlemas day by Marianne Stokes, 1901
The presentation of the Lord in the temple by Fra Bartolomeo, 1516
Crêpes are a traditional food on La Chandeleur
Our Lady of Light (patron of the Canary Islands). The Virgin of Candles is depicted in the manner of a Black Madonna.
Diablada puneña during the Fiesta de la Candelaria in Peru.

Pope Gelasius I (492–496) contributed to the spread of the celebration, but did not invent it.

The ancient Romans celebrated the Lupercalia in mid-February, in honor of Lupercus, the god of fertility and shepherds.