Tag Archives: Traditions

History of Candlemas Near the end of the winter season, as ancient people looked forward to the planting season of spring, many different cultures found ways to celebrate this shift from the cold and dark days to a happier and more productive time of year. Hypapante (Ὑπαπαντή, “Meeting” in Greek). …

Theophany or Epiphany closes the twelve-days of Christmas, which began on Christmas Eve and was celebrated through various customs. Everything is ready at the holy churches of Zakynthos for the blessed celebration of the Sanctification and Epiphany, recalling the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan River in which the priest …

It’s New Year’s Eve and every Zakynthian home is preparing for the welcoming of the New Year. Early in morning the children will go from home to home to sing the New Year’s carol and send a wish that Ai Vassilis will come and bring your most desired. For it …

XRONIA POLLA for those named after St. Andrew. Today the 30th November marks the height of celebrations not just in Patra but around the world. History. Saint Andrew is said to have been martyred by crucifixion at the city of Patras in Achaea. Early texts, such as the Acts of …

A few months back the programme MAX Vandaag “Dream house wanted” were here to film a story about a young couple looking for their dream home in Zakynthos.  1.4 million viewers The programme went to air last night and the promotion of Island became known in nearly every Dutch home. …

National OXI day is one of the most important historical dates in the Greek calendar, not just for Zakynthians, but for Greeks worldwide. Every year it is remembered and traditionally celebrated, staying firmly in the hearts and minds of Greeks everywhere. But what is National OXI day? The 28 October …

The Theatre of Zakynthos and the Dance Complex of Levante are organizing a two-day traditional art festival with folk theatre, traditional dances, songs and music from Zakynthos, Kefalonia, North Tzoumerika Northern Greece Epirus and  Progradets from Albania in Agios Dimitrios Square. The schedule of events with the participating groups is …

This morning at in the Village of Ambelokipi a small celebration took place in honour of hunters. This is the first service of its type within the village. The presence of the church was an important step for the hunters. During the service the priest mentioned our long history dating …

In the Christian liturgical calendar, there are several different Feasts of the Cross, all of which commemorate the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus. While holy Friday is dedicated to the Passion of Christ and the Crucifixion, these days celebrate the cross itself, as the instrument of salvation. The …

Celebrations start in tribute of our Patron and Protector of our Island, Saint Dionysios. History of our Patron Saint. Saint Dionysios, a spiritual giant not only among Zakynthians but throughout Greece. He seems to be among the living, through the miraculous preservation of his holy body. He was born on …