Christmas Challenge: Kourabiedes vs Melomakarona

Christmas in Greece! In this magical time of the year, everything is absolutely perfect. Snowflakes are falling, the buildings get illuminated every night and stores get brighter. Christmas mood fills the air, colorful window displays and gift wraps. Above anything else, in Greece housewives and pastry chefs start creating their culinary wonders. And there are …

Greek Christmas Traditions & Customs

In Greece, Christmas is celebrated in all its glory. Every part of the country boasts a plethora of traditions and special customs that have survived over the centuries. If you want to be part of this long-lasting celebration, check out the most popular Greek Christmas traditions and customs. And then choose where you are going …

Mount Koziakas: Hear the Whispers of the Gods

Mount Koziakas is an imposing mountain. In fact, it reaches 1900 meters in altitude. It is located in Trikala on the southern part of Pindos. The mountain is part of European NATURA 2000 project, attracting nature enthusiasts from Greece and the world. Have you wondered what it feels like to touch the sky? Are you …

Ifestia Festival 2017: Santorini Volcanic Celebration!

Why Ifestia Festival 2017? Well, because Santorini has been forged by fire and water over the years. Around 1600 BC, a huge volcanic eruption has led to catastrophic consequences for the island. There are records of a tsunami hitting hard and devastating everything, reaching even Crete. The brutal force of fire and water eventually gave …

Greek Easter hymnology: Experience the rhythm of devoutness and spirituality

Greek Easter hymns are among the most beloved, spiritual and esoteric hymns of the Orthodox Church Liturgies. To the Greek Orthodox Christians the Holy Week centers on the hymns and the Church. The hymns from the Eastern Orthodox Church were most written during the height of the Byzantine Empire, originally composed in Koine Greek. About …

Easter Holy Week: the symbolisms behind the Greek Orthodox Church

Each day during Holy Week has a special meaning, and understanding what each day represents can help making attending all those church services a lot more meaningful! It is really worthwhile to go to the church and watch the services being able to feel the unique spiritual atmosphere Greek Orthodox Church offers. Here is an …

The silence of the lamb: from the Jewish Passover to Greek Easter

The religious significance of lamb began in the Old Testament, particularly in Genesis, when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son. Abraham obediently obeyed God and made his preparations for his sacrifice. When Isaac saw what his father was doing he asked, “The fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb for the …

Easter in Patmos : The spiritual experience

The celebration of Easter in Patmos is certainly a unique life experience. Mainly because of the Holy Monastery of Saint John the theologian in Chora (a UNESCO world heritage site), which is a reference point for the whole Greece and Orthodox Christianity. The island is often called the «Jerusalem of the Mediterranean», due to the …