The Cult
Dionysus was the god of theater and of entertainment, meaning that all dramatic performances were in honor of him. This adoration for Dionysus is shown through the placement of a thymele, an altar dedicated to him, at the center of the amphitheater. The Greek people would sacrifice goats in honor of Dionysus during each festivity and organize numerous celebrations in his name. These yearly festivities and celebrations shaped the cult of Dionysus which included the Agrionia, the Lenaia, the Anthesteria and, most importantly, the Dionysia.
The Agrionia was a night in which women participated in a hopeless search for Dionysus. It is meant to be a symbol of women's uprising, madness and strange fantasies. The Lenaia, as opposed to the Dionysia, was a competition that focused solely on comic contests. The Anthesteria was more of a celebration of fertility and wine. It celebrates the release of Ariadne to Dionysus.
The Agrionia was a night in which women participated in a hopeless search for Dionysus. It is meant to be a symbol of women's uprising, madness and strange fantasies. The Lenaia, as opposed to the Dionysia, was a competition that focused solely on comic contests. The Anthesteria was more of a celebration of fertility and wine. It celebrates the release of Ariadne to Dionysus.