The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word FESTIVE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
F
E
S
T
I
V
E
More clues leading to the result FESTIVE
- Joyous few touring east of France
- Money paid to secure very good person, one very merry
- What’s established during a number of Christmases?
- Jolly unusual set among with-it children, literally?
- Joyful female, not initially impatient
- Happy, if Steve gets changed
- As Saturnalia is to a Roman in prime
- Joyful number hugging remainder heading off
- Superlative ending in quintet is joyous
- Female dumping male by street, I have to be merry
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "As Saturnalia is to a Roman" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case as saturnalia is to a roman = festive.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does FESTIVE mean?
FESTIVE adjective- Having the atmosphere, decoration, or attitude of a festival, holiday, or celebration.
- In the mood to celebrate.