Pithoigia

The first day of Anthesteria is called Pithoigia which means "Jar opening."

Large wine jars called Pithoi were half buried in the ground, which regulated their temperatures, and the wine was allowed to ferment until this time, when the Jars were opened in honor of Dionysis. The scent of the wine from the open jars is said to attract the spirits of the dead, the underworld gods, and Dionysos himself who it is said has been dwelling in the underworld and awaiting the Spring to emerge during this time of year when the gates of the underworld lie open.

The God's epiphany is at this time, when he comes forth from the underworld, and his image is taken from to his sanctuary surrounded by Satyrs and Silenoi who sings dithyrambs, which were hymns sung to Dionysos in wild and ecstatic manner, in his honor.