Custom or festival
The feast day of the island’s patron saint, with a procession of his icon.
On 12 December the island celebrates Agios Spyridonas, its patron saint. After the service at his church, on the islet with the little bridge, his icon is carried in procession.
This is the saint’s winter feast; the summer one, on 9 July, marks the consecration of his church.
The blessing of the waters in the harbour: the cross thrown into the sea, church bells and the caiques’ horns.
January 6
The May wreath with garlic, onion and an ear of wheat, hung on the door until St John’s Eve.
May 1
Bonfires everyone jumps, the “silent water” and the fortunes of the Klidonas, one of the island’s liveliest customs.
23 and 24 June
Four days of celebration: the anniversary of union in 1850 and the Agios Spyridonas procession with music and dance.
6 to 9 July
The feast of Panagia Katonisiotissa: pilgrims who spend the night in the churchyard and bonfires on the beach till dawn.
August 15
Fish, wine and dancing late into the night: the island’s celebration of the sea and its catch.
Late August