These festivals and celebrations were an important part of ancient Greek culture and religion, and continue to fascinate us to this day.
1. Olympics
The Olympics were held every four years in honor of Zeus, the king of the gods. The games were first held in 776 BCE and were held for nearly 12 centuries until they were abolished by the Christian Roman Emperor Theodosius I in 393 CE.
2. Dionysia
The Dionysia was a festival held in honor of Dionysus, the god of wine, fertility, and theater. It was held in Athens in March, and included a theatrical competition, as well as religious ceremonies and processions.
3. Eleusinian Mysteries
The Eleusinian Mysteries were a series of religious rites and ceremonies held in honor of Demeter and Persephone in the town of Eleusis. The exact nature of the ceremonies is unknown, as they were shrouded in secrecy, but they were said to involve a journey to the underworld and a revelation of the secrets of life and death.
4. Panathenaia
The Panathenaia was a festival held in Athens in honor of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts. The Greater Panathenaia was held every four years and included athletic contests, musical competitions, and a grand procession in which a new robe was presented to the statue of Athena.
5. Anthesteria
The Anthesteria was a three-day festival held in Athens in honor of Dionysus. It was held in February and included a procession of wine, a drinking contest, and a ceremony in which the spirits of the dead were invited to visit the city.
6. Pyanepsia
The Pyanepsia was a festival held in Athens in honor of Apollo, the god of music, poetry, and prophecy. It was held in October and included a procession in which cakes shaped like animals were offered to the god, as well as a contest in which boys chased a piglet.
7. Thesmophoria
The Thesmophoria was a festival held in honor of Demeter and Persephone, and was attended only by women. It was held in November and included fasting, purification, and the making of sacrificial cakes in the shape of snakes and other animals.
8. Haloa
The Haloa was a festival held in honor of Demeter and Dionysus, and was attended only by women. It was held in December and included feasting, drinking, and the sharing of bawdy jokes and stories.
