Learn about festivals of the ancient world, and the activities and rituals that took place – including chariot races, processions and even a great banquet held in a cemetery. Some of the festivals are surprisingly similar in nature to those we enjoy today.
Festivals celebrated by the Ancient Greeks and Romans
Dr Jess Hughes, Senior Lecturer in Classical Studies, provides an overview of a selection of festivals celebrated by the ancient Greeks and Romans. You’ll see that many of these ancient festivals share the same music, dancing, eating, drinking and community elements that make up a modern-day festival.
The Compitalia
Imagine a festival with music, lots of wine, food and a procession thrown into the mix. It doesn’t sound too different from the festivals of today, does it? Dr Jess Hughes, Senior Lecturer in Classical Studies, explores 'The Compitalia' – a Roman mid-winter festival centred around community.
The Parentalia
Dr Emma-Jayne Graham, Senior Lecturer in Classical Studies, shares the beliefs behind the Parentalia – a Roman festival where families would get together to celebrate, remember and appease the dead.
The Panathenaia
The Panathenaia was the most important religious festival in Athens, held in honour of the goddess Athena. Dr Christine Plastow, Lecturer in Classical Studies, describes the different elements of the festival including contests, athletic events, a great procession and animal sacrifices.
The Amphiaraia
The Amphiaraia was a festival held in honour of Greek hero Amphiaraus. Celebrated every four years, attendees were invited to participate in athletic, equestrian, musical and theatrical events. In the video below, Dr Alex Wilding, Lecturer in Classical Studies, unpacks the myths of Amphiaraus’ demise.
The Lenaia
The Lenaia festival was held in honour of the god Dionysus – a god associated with wine, revelry, and theatre. Dr Jan Haywood, Staff Tutor and Lecturer in Classical Studies, draws on literary sources and ancient relics to paint a picture of the traditional Athenian festival.
The Vinalia
Food and drink festivals have become increasingly popular in recent years, but did you know that they have actually taken place since Ancient Rome? Dr Joanna Paul, Senior Lecturer in Classical Studies, shows us a depiction of the Vinalia, a festival dedicated to wine.
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Celebrating festivals from the past and present
Watch now to access more details of Celebrating festivals from the past and presentThe Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) has curated a virtual festival to showcase and celebrate some of the lesser-known festivals of the past and present. Explore festivals dating back to Ancient Greece and Rome, discover the rise of literary festivals and ‘protestivals’, plus take a look at two very different sides to Glastonbury.
Level: 1 Introductory
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