1. a festival or ceremony commemorating the founding or dedication of a city or institution
Usage: formal; often used in academic contexts

Examples

• The university’s encaenia celebrated its 200th anniversary.
• Oxford’s encaenia is held annually in June to honor the institution’s founding.
• The ancient city held encaenia to mark the dedication of its new temple.
• Students and faculty gathered for the college’s encaenia ceremony.
• The encaenia featured speeches from distinguished alumni and benefactors.