Custom or festival
The May wreath with garlic, onion and an ear of wheat, hung on the door until St John’s Eve.
On May Day the islanders make the May wreath and hang it on the front door.
Three things always go into the wreath: garlic against the evil eye, an onion, because the area is known for its onions, and an ear of wheat for a good harvest.
The wreath stays on the door until 23 June, the eve of St John the Fortune-teller, when it is burned in the festival bonfires.
The blessing of the waters in the harbour: the cross thrown into the sea, church bells and the caiques’ horns.
January 6
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
The start of the farming year, the end of long voyages for sailors, and the first cracked olives.
September 14