DIONYSIA (Διονςσία). A series of festivals that honored Dionysus, the god of wine. The first of the feasts was the Oschophoria in the month of Pysanepsion (October to November) which celebrated the ripening of the grapes. The running of races, making of processions and singing of choruses were climaxed by a sacrifice and banquet. The smaller Dionysia was held in the month of Poseideon (December to January) and celebrated the first tasting of the new wine. A solemn procession to the altar of the god was climaxed by a sacrifice, followed by dancing and dramas. The Lenoea was the feast of the vats held at Athens in the month of Gamelion (January to February) at Lenaeon, the oldest and most sacred shrine of Dionysus. The feast was notable for its meal which was provided at the public expense, after which a procession was made to the tragedies and comedies. The Anthesteria was observed for three days in the month of Anthesterion (February to March) and celebrated the opening of the casks of new wine. The most important feature was the symbolic marriage of the wife of the high priest of Dionysus to that god. The great urban Dionysia was held for six days in the month of Elaphebolion (March to April). Processions and singing were climaxed by three days of performances of the new tragedies, comedies, and dramas.