Everybody on the island is getting ready to celebrate the biggest holiday
of the summer, the Assumption of Virgin Mary into Heaven in
mid-August, and gather in churches dedicated to Her so as to honor her, as she
is considered inspiration and comfort.
There are about 50 churches dedicated to Virgin Mary in Santorini
celebrating tonight and tomorrow! Among the most important celebrations of the
Assumption held in Santorini are the church of "Panagia Episkopi" in
Mesa Gonia, the church of the "Assumption" in Akrotiri, the
"Assumption" in Firostefani and in Megalochori and "Panagia
Kokini" in Karterados.
Traditional
feasts
In the afternoon today, after the evening ceremony at 19.00, the church of
"Panagia Episkopi" holds one of the oldest festivals in the Aegean
and Greece, where crowds of worshipers gather in the churchyard to pray and eat
the local feast “panigyri” and of course
drink local wine.
In the churchyard of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Akrotiri, near the lighthouse. an authentic island feast will also be held with traditional “panigyri”, plenty of wine and dancing, after 19.00.
In the churchyard of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Akrotiri, near the lighthouse. an authentic island feast will also be held with traditional “panigyri”, plenty of wine and dancing, after 19.00.
In Firostefani, at the church of the Assumption, a fair will be held after the evening prayers.
You can easily understand where these festivals are held by the crowds and the colorful little flags decorating the churches. You will be surprised by the hospitality of the locals and the massive participation of believers in the preparation and cooking of the food.
You can easily understand where these festivals are held by the crowds and the colorful little flags decorating the churches. You will be surprised by the hospitality of the locals and the massive participation of believers in the preparation and cooking of the food.