It has been since 25 years ago (217 BC after the Trasimenus battle) that such a solemn procession has been held in Roma.

All the people are astounded to see the whole Corpus Senati, caput velato (head covered), following in procession the Pontifex Maximus and the other pontifices. Senators in white toga have a grass crown while their wives dressed in black have their long hair loose, so long as to sweep the ground.

Passing through the Forum, from Sacra Via the procession reaches Clivus Capitolinus to climb up to Templum Iovis Capitolini where the ara (altair) is ready for the cerimony in front of the aedes (home) of the Triade Capitolina: Iuppiter, Iuno and Minerva.
From the top of Capitolium the gods can watch the Forum and the larger part of the Urbs, so they can better protect the whole city.
All around, in the consecrated square in front of the temple, triclinii are ready and on the three closest to the ara the statues of the gods are already laid down. The whole square has been cleaned very carefully, any has to be perfect for the gods.
Several clerics are deployed stategically to prevent dogs or other animals from contaminating the ceremony.

Once they have arrived at the temple, the Pontifex Maximus opens the ceremony spreading the Mola Salsa (a special flour prepared by Vestali) over the head of the hostiae (the victims).
Supported by many assistants, flute players and camilli (altar boys), Drusus orders the victimarii (specialists that kill the hostia with a single strike) to proceed to the sacrifice. Everyone remains silent.

As the first blood spreads, twelve vultures appear in the sky over Capitolium. From the Forum a boom rises, all the people realize the birds are the best of auspicia.

Once killed, each animal is quartered. The extra (entrails) are carefully examined by aruspici under the supervision of the Pontifex Maximus.
After a while, Drusus lifts his eyes seeing nothing that is not Roman. Then he can declare the LITATIO (the gods are pleased with the sacrifice).

The fires are ignited and the fragrance of the sweet-smelling woods is spreading all around in the sunset. The viscera (the meat) of the victims is cooked. The lectisternium can begin.
The gods are banqueting with the State and private citizens.

In the dark of the evening, the sky is clear, a flash of lightning followed by a clap of thunder shows that Iuppiter is pleased. Roma has renewed her pact with the gods.

Oh happy day! High on his citadel, Iuppiter rules the entire world.