Every year on the 15th of August is one of the biggest fests of the year in Greece. The Orthodox Church celebrates the Virgin Mary, and thousands of pilgrims make the trip to churches and monasteries which are dedicated to the Virgin Mary. On this day, in village squares, big celebrations take place with lutes, violins, and traditional dances. It is a great opportunity to try the local dishes and specialties, which are prepared sometimes exclusively for this occasion. Almost all islands in Greece will celebrate, but a few places stand out for their unique customs.
Tinos
The island of Tinos in the Cyclades is one of the largest pilgrimage sites in Greece. The island is known for its Virgin Mary church. Pilgrims sometimes crawl up to the church on their hands and knees to show their devotion. The 15th of August is the most important day of the year here. A famous icon of the Virgin Mary goes in a procession around the church and thousands of visitors come to join. On the day before the celebration, the island is decorated, and an evening church service takes place.
In the morning, a special service is again held, and even representatives of the Greek government and Navy come to lay wreathes on the grave of the “Elli,” a Greek military ship that was torpedoed by Italians in the harbor in 1940. It was the first act of World War II in Greece. When the commemorations finish, there is of course dancing, music, and festivities.
Paros
The Church of the Virgin Mary in Paros’s capital, Paroikia, is one of the most incredible churches in the Cyclades. It has a 17th-century icon of the Virgin Mary. Like on the other Greek islands, there is a procession of the icon around the church. This is followed by a party of traditional Greek folk music and island wine. Uniquely in Paros, the boats light up and locals launch flares. In the port city of Naoussa, some keep their torches lit all night.
Ikaria
Ikaria Island is one of the most famous Greek islands for traditional “glendis” or parties. The highlight of festivals in Ikaria is the violin music and folk dancing, which goes on until the hours of the morning. Lagada, Christo Rachon, Gialiskari, and Kouniadous are some of the cities known for their celebrations of the Virgin Mary on August 15th. The biggest celebration is in the abandoned village of Lagada, where traditional goat dishes and local wine are served and the locals dance hand in hand with visitors to some of the best island music.
Kefalonia
The island of Kefalonia is one of the Ionian islands. In Markopoulo village, a group of snakes are part of the celebration. They have a crucifix pattern on their heads and appear on the dome of Panagia Lagkouvardas Church every year for the celebration. It is said that the nuns of the local monastery prayed for the Virgin Mary to turn them into snakes so that they would not be captured by pirates. If you touch the snakes, you will get good luck. The other famous site in Kefalonia for the feast of the Virgin Mary is the Gravaliotissa Church where lilies on the icon of the Virgin Mary bloom twice every year.
Karpathos
The city of Olympos (Elymbos, to locals) on Karpathos, is one of the most beautiful villages in the Dodecanese island chain. In Olympos, preparations start days before. The young girls of the village dress in traditional dresses and put on necklaces of gold. On the day of the feast there is the August 15th Liturgy at the town’s main church, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and the women in costume dance through the town to the music of the lute and the lyre. The men put a leaf of basil in their lapels and sing while the women dance. The celebration in Olympos happens in the central square. A local restaurant (often the Parthenon Cafe), offers food and drink for anyone who wants to join. Visitors can be shy, but it is an event open to all.
Koufonisia
Koufonisia is a small island in the Cyclades grouping. The feast is celebrated on the uninhabited island of Kato Koufonisi. When the service finishes, food is served, and all the visitors leave on boats to Pano Koufonisi, the inhabited island, where the party begins. Tradition has it that the boats race on the way back to Pano Koufonisi. Seafood, ouzo, and wine are the standard fare.
The local name for the Virgin Mary icon in these towns depends on the area and the miracles she has worked. The Virgin Mary can be known as “ the Merciful, the Guide, the Healer, the Consoler, the Revelator, and many more. She also has other celebration days during the year (10 in all), but August 15th is definitely the biggest celebration of the year. No matter where you go on August 15th, “The Easter of the Summer” turns all the islands into a big festival. We hope you have the chance to enjoy it in Greece this year!
