Tradition

The name Alkionides is derived from the mythological “Alkionides Days” which during the month of January are warm and sunny. In Greek mythology, the goddess Halcyon (Alcyone in Greek) was the daughter of Aeolus, the ruler of the winds. She was married to the mortal king Ceyx of Tachis. Their love for each other …

In a springtime day, Zakynthos celebrated the memory of Agios Haralambos. The religious and festive events were completed with the standard litany of the Holy Icon  and a piece of his relic, which began with the sounds of the Artemisian Philharmonic from the church by the river, near the harbour, and from …

As we all know Zakynthos is very well known for its flowers, one that always attracted my attention this time of the year is what we call Manousakia (Narkissos daffodil).   Flowers are typically found within the olive groves of Zakynthos. These flowers are found throughout Zakynthos during the winter months …

Zakynthian Omilia by Nikos Pettas “The Scartsofolli” is welcomed by the Association of Zakynthians in Patra on Saturday, February 9th, 2019. A pleasant play full of linguistic idioms and ethos of those years that will be presented at 8.30pm, at Pantheon, with free admission. The popular theater will be best …

THE DAY OF MOURNING After the twelve gospels are read tonight throughout the churches of Zakynthos the preparation on the tomb will take place. In the village of Ambelokipi it is a ritual that has been done for many years. The women stay and place flowers on the tomb encasement that …

Holy Wednesday in Zakynthos.   Holy Wednesday is about the plot to kill Jesus and also repent for our sins. On the Wednesday before his death, Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the Leper. As they sat at the supper table, a woman named Mary anointed Jesus’ head …

Last night was what we call the Epitaph. Zakynthians pay tribute to Christ. You will notice that a tomb like structure will be carved out of wood and a repilica of Christ will be laid down within the tomb, as the replica is surrounded in flower petals. Standing next to …

Easter in Zakynthos is one of the most traditional, spiritual and eventful celebrations throughout Greece. Preparations around the town and in the villages will soon take place, if not already.  Although this year the weather has been holding those preparations back, with news that the weather is going to be …

The women’s choir “Rodambelos” from the village Ambelokipi, known by its old name “Roido” celebrated today with the tradition of cutting the New Year’s cake.  Present were all choir members, family, friends, politicians and other cultural organisations to join in the celebrations . A tradition that has been kept within …

There are many traditions in Greece, relating to festivals, food and culture. One of them is Greek Name Day. In Greek Orthodox Tradition each day of the year is dedicated to a martyr or saint, renowned throughout the Greek Orthodox religion. If someone is named after one of these martyrs or …