Every year in Rethymno, for almost a whole month, the city plays host to a succession of fun-filled celebrations, bringing together locals and visitors who participate in this carnival because they love to enjoy every moment of their lives. You will see groups of people sitting together in traditional cafés (kafeneia) drinking “tsikoudiá” (raki), tasting …
The Olympic flame is alight! This important symbol of the Olympic Games represents peace, unity and friendship. Its origins date back to ancient Greece, when a fire was considered to be a divine element. Throughout the duration of the ancient Olympics a flame kept burning permanently at the altar of goddess Hestia, as well as …
Walking through fields of white earth and old small houses, one reaches the traditional village, where the “Epitafios walk” is covered in true spiritual ambiance. The road is decorated with tined lamps forming a river of fire that trembles accompanied by chanting and the smell of spring flowers. At the monastery of Prophet Elias, at the …
On of the most amazing spectacles one can see during Easter in the region of Arcasia, is that which takes place on the night of the Resurrection! The locals contruct hundrends of hot-air balloons out of straw and paper which are set free into the sky the moment of the Resurrection, at the same time …
Greece plays host to religious festivals with deeply rooted customs and centuries-old traditions all year round. One of the greatest celebrations of Christianity is Easter. The faithful Christians all over Greece follow the Holy Week ritual devoutly, giving themselves body and soul into the culmination of the Passion of Christ and finally rejoicing in His …
“Kathari Deftera,” Greek for Clean Monday, is considered to be one of the most important feasts all over Greece, each year commencing the 40-day period of the Great Lent for the Eastern Greek Orthodox Church, which is called “Sarakosti.” The feast begins on the first day of the 7th week before the Orthodox Easter Sunday. …
On Holy Friday, midday, at the church of Panagia Drossiani, the women share a special Lenten raisin-walnut bread with parishioners. One of the key characteristics of Naxos as a destination is its many, well-populated villages. Adopting some elements of modern lifestyle and maintaining many aspects of their old world charm, thesevillages are steadfast in keeping …