Greek Religious Festivals

The ancient Greeks honored their gods and celebrated during their many annual festivals. Some festivals were limited to specific groups of people -- like women; some were associated with the annual agricultural cycle; some were associated with individual gods. Celebration might include procession, sacrifice, antics, dramatic performances, and games.

City Dionysia
While it might sound like an occasion to let the normal inhibitions down and get drunk, this annual event honored the god Dionysus with serious events -- as well as entertainment.

Thesmophoria
The Thesmophoria was an annual, fall, women's harvest celebration in honor of the goddess Demeter.

Athenian Months
The Athenian months' names reflect major festivals held within them. This list of the months includes a list of festivals and the gods so honored.

Thargelia
Jane Ellen Harrison quotes ancient authors on the meaning of the word behind the name of the harvest festival Thargelia: "The thargelos is the first loaf made after the carrying home of the harvest."

What Was the Ancient Greek Thargelia Festival?
Thargelia was an ancient Athenian harvest festival connected with the spring grain harvest. It has been connected with first fruits and scapegoat sacrifices.

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