TRADITION THAT COMES FROM THE PAST

Customs of the island

TRADITION THAT COMES FROM THE PAST

Customs of the island

The local customs in Kythira are many and interesting. Each village had its own, which was usually associated with religious and local holidays. From the “Banda caricature” in Chora to the Fairies in Mylopotamos and from the feast of Agios Mammas in Logothetianika to the Easter events in Agia Pelagia, the residents find reasons to escape from everyday life and to have fun.

THE ROUND OF THE PANAGIA

The most important religious custom of the island is the procession (round) of the holy icon of Panagia Myrtidiotissa. This custom was officially established in 1842 by a decision of the local Government in Kythira, which was also endorsed by the English Surveyor. The "tour" starts on Easter Monday from the metropolitan church of Chora, where it is hosted from Orthodox Sunday until the Resurrection, and the following days it wanders the villages of the island to return on the Sunday of Thomas to the monastery. It is one of the oldest customs of the island.

CHRISTMAS & THEOPHANIA

The celebrations of Christmas and Epiphany in Kythira are special. All the villages of the island put on their festive clothes with thousands of lanterns to decorate the streets and squares. During these holidays events are organized mainly for children by the Municipality and by local cultural associations.

The Epiphany is celebrated with magnificence in the temples of Kythera and then the priests throw the Cross into the sea in the various coastal villages. Young people of the island fall into the icy waters to catch him and get the blessing of the priests.

CARNIVAL ON THE ISLAND

The days of Carnival are celebrated with many events on the island.

On the three days of Turin and Shrove Monday, carnival events are organized in Potamos with a parade of chariots and disguised pedestrians, in Livadi with a variety of traditional events, while in Chora the traditional Gaitanaki and the "Caricature Band" attract young and old.

These events are the beginning of a frantic party that follows. On Shrove Monday, Koulouma is celebrated in Agia Pelagia, Avlemonas and other coastal places.

THE ROUND OF THE PANAGIA

The most important religious custom of the island is the procession (round) of the holy icon of Panagia Myrtidiotissa. This custom was officially established in 1842 by a decision of the local Government in Kythira, which was also endorsed by the English Surveyor. The "tour" starts on Easter Monday from the metropolitan church of Chora, where it is hosted from Orthodox Sunday until the Resurrection, and the following days it wanders the villages of the island to return on the Sunday of Thomas to the monastery. It is one of the oldest customs of the island.

CHRISTMAS & THEOPHANIA

The celebrations of Christmas and Epiphany in Kythira are special. All the villages of the island put on their festive clothes with thousands of lanterns to decorate the streets and squares. During these holidays events are organized mainly for children by the Municipality and by local cultural associations.

The Epiphany is celebrated with magnificence in the temples of Kythera and then the priests throw the Cross into the sea in the various coastal villages. Young people of the island fall into the icy waters to catch him and get the blessing of the priests.

CARNIVAL ON THE ISLAND

The days of Carnival are celebrated with many events on the island.

On the three days of Turin and Shrove Monday, carnival events are organized in Potamos with a parade of chariots and disguised pedestrians, in Livadi with a variety of traditional events, while in Chora the traditional Gaitanaki and the "Caricature Band" attract young and old.

These events are the beginning of a frantic party that follows. On Shrove Monday, Koulouma is celebrated in Agia Pelagia, Avlemonas and other coastal places.

Customs of centuries

Centuries of culture and tradition of the place can be seen in the local customs of Kythera and Antikythera. Religion plays a major role in these customs as the days of the feast of the Saints are the occasion for the realization of some of them.

The participation of the locals and the visitors of the island keeps alive these customs, passing them from generation to generation.

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