The ancient Greeks chose special days to celebrate important occasions.  These celebrations brought people together.  It was a good time to meet other people of similar backgrounds and interests and to bring all aspects of Greek society into one cultural event.  One such event was the festival of  Athena, or Panathenaea, which was held at the dawning of the first moon in the new year in the city-state of Athens.  This festival was held in honor of Athena, the goddess of wisdom.   
During this festival, a procession of priests, officials, cavalry, charioteers, musicians, and citizens each marched, carrying a gift for Athena, including a new robe which was placed on her statue.  For the following two days, the people would celebrate with games, singing, dancing and poetry competitions.