Lenaia

Athenian Calendar Dates: 12 Gamelion
Honouring: Dionysus Lenaios and the maenads
Origin: The Festival is believed to have taken place in the city of Dionisia in the Classical Era over the course of four days. It was also theorized to have a procession carrying a representation of Dionysus, dancing by Athenian girls using castanets. It was a much smaller, private festival compared to Dionysia.

What is Lenaia?

Lenaia is a festival in honor of Dionysus Lenaios and the maenads celebrated on 12 Gamelion. It was primarily a mid winter celebration of wine, fertility and dramatic arts, taking place during the darkest, coldest part of the year.

This festival focuses on:

• Dionysus Lenaios
• The Maenads
• Wine
• Fertility
• Dramatic Arts
• Ecstasy
• Spiritual Transformation

Offerings to Dionysus Lenaios

• Honey
• Wine
• Mead
• Figs or other fruit
• Stories/poetry/plays
• Pinecones
• Votive offerings such as depictions of jaguars and bulls
• Dance
• Sparkling juice

Ways to Celebrate Lenaia

• Write a story, poem or play in honor of Dionysus
• Meditate with Dionysus
• Dance
• Give offerings to Dionysus
• Read a play, poem or story to Dionysus
• Research about Dionysus
• Donate to big cat conservation or community theaters
• Volunteer at a cat shelter or community theater
• Dress in clothing or accessories that remind you of Dionysus
• Share a drink with Dionysus, alcoholic or otherwise

Celebrating Lenaia at the Sanctuary of the Crossroads

Every year on 12 Gamelion, the Sanctuary hosts a live hymn recitation event, where the community is encouraged to participate in reciting historical hymns and/or their own as well if they so choose. You can join by keeping an eye on our Lenaia channel in our discord server. You can choose to listen in for the live event instead of reciting.