The ancient Greek festival honoring the god Hermes was called the Hermaia.
The Hermaia was associated especially with young men and athletic activity. Hermes was linked with travel, trade, communication, athletic competition, and the transition from youth to adulthood, so the festival’s character reflected several of his traditional roles.
The best-known celebrations took place in Athens and other Greek communities, although practices varied by location. Athletic contests and communal rites formed part of the festival tradition, and the event could be connected with institutions that trained or supervised young citizens.
Hermaia should not be confused with the Panathenaia, which honored Athena, or the Dionysia, which honored Dionysus. The name comes from Hermes and uses the Greek festival ending found in names such as Olympia.