Tag Archives: customs

The “Giostra Di Zante” Association will soon be reviving their annual three day event. An event that takes us back in time to the 18th century is held on the long weekend of the Holy Spirit (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). It is a cultural event attended by delegations from all …

The island of Zakynthos wins the 1st edition of the International Jousting of the Rings. A contested victory to the last within the city of Osilo (Sardinia), which was a nail biting finish right till the very end. . At the end of the four rounds, only two points divided …

Orthodox tradition holds that the Holy Fire happens annually on the day preceding Orthodox Pascha (Orthodox Easter.) During this time, blue light is said to emit within Jesus Christ’s tomb, rising from the marble slab covering the stone bed believed to be that upon which Jesus’ body is to have been …

Greek orthodox tradition….the remembrance of those who are no longer with us. *Soul Saturday* in Zakynthos it is celebrated today with an afternoon service at all churches. Special bread is made, known as *prosforo* and given to the church for blessing usually in honour of the dead. Koliva is also …

Finally!!!!! Celebrations start again!!! After a three year period of no carnival, Zakynthos was in full swing with Tsiknopepmti…. What is Tsiknopempti? Greeks celebrate Tsiknopempti, which literally means “Thursday of the Smoke of Grilled Meat”. Tsikno being the smoke from the grilled meat and Pempti being Thursday.  It is celebrated …

1st Day of March today, in Greek we say KALO MINA, but this month also has an extra symbolic meaning and that is none other than the tying of two pieces of string, called ‘Marti” one coloured red and the other white, entwined together and then left to be displayed …

Among the Carnival festivities let’s not forget that this period is pre-lent and its ties are based on religious facts. All this week it was the theme of the Pharisee and the tax collector. As of this Sunday the theme is ‘the Prodigal Son’. The Orthodox Church traditionally reads this …

Sunday 21st of February, 2020 until the last day,  Sunday 14th of March, 2020 It is that time of year where most Zakynthians will say “we’ve entered the triodion”.   Exactly what is the triodion? Most of us that are not aware of what triodion means, would say ‘Carnival Period’. …

Many ask what alcohol and tobacco they can bring home from holiday and if there are any limits. As a holidaymaker to the EU there is currently no limit on what an individual can buy or take home from Greece. However, any products you buy must be for your own …