Festivities in Athens.

Ancient Greek festivals were major religious events that recurred annually, every two years, or every four years. The purposes and rituals of the festivals varied a great deal, but all had in common the desire to maintain a good relationship with the gods. The festivals of Athens are best known, and they were plentiful: Athens set aside at least 60 days a year for annual festivals.For example, some festivals : - Anthesteria- festival of Dionysus and the new wine - Apaturia- festival of the phratry brotherhood - Dionysa - dramatic festival of Dionysus - Thargelia- festival of Apollo and the new harvest

ANTHESTERIA :
Anthesteria was one of the festivals held in honor of Dionysus. It was celebrated in Athens, where it was of particular importance. Anthesteria was held annually for three days in the month of February-March. Although its name indicates a Festival of Flowers, the festival focused primarily on opening the new wine and on placating the spirits of the dead.
On the evening of the first day, casks of the previous vintage were taken to the sanctuary of Dionysus.
The second day, was a time of merrymaking. The people dressed themselves gaily, some in the disguise of the mythical personages.The primary activity of the day was a drinking competition, in which. Slaves had a share as well. Miniature choes were given to children as toys, and "first Choes" was a rite of passage.

APATURIA :
Apaturia was a festival celebrated in Athens. Apaturia is unique among Greek festivals in being associated with a particular social group: brotherhood. The name probably means festival of "common relationship."
The phratries celebrated Apaturia annually for three days in the month of October-November. The main function of the festival was to enroll new phratry members, who thereby acquired a title to citizenship.
The first day of the festival, Dinner, featured an evening meal. The central ritual of the second day, was sacrifice to