MYKONOS LOCAL EVENTS
The growth of tourism development and fast rhythms weakened the customs of the island.
One of the feasts that still maintain the traditional element is Epiphany. On the eve of the holiday priests passes from the residences of island to bless them with holy water. A church service is followed and then locals meet in the harbour of the island. They sunk the cross and the young person’s falls in the sea in order to retrieve it.
The island’s folklore element is most evident during religious feasts to which many customs and traditions are linked. On New Year’s Day, locals put “best foot forward” for luck as they visit hopes to wish good fortune, while families cut and share the traditional pitta in which a coin has been baked; the person whose piece has the coin is said to be blessed with good luck for the coming year.
The Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin in August 15 is observed with a paniyiri (religious and folk festival) that draws pilgrims from around the island, while the nine-day memorial of the Dormition on August 23 is observed with the same vigour.
Apokries or carnival is a time of revelry. Masquerades roam the streets, amusing onlookers with their costumes and antics. This is followed by Kathara Deftera or Clean Monday, the first day of Lent. In the days leading up to Easter, locals spruce up their houses, applying whitewash and baking breads in the shapes of human figures, or Lazarakia. Holy Week is observed with devotion. The Epitaphios is led in candlelit procession on Good Friday, while the observances culminate at midnight on Saturday with the resurrection service. Starting early in the day on Easter Sunday, locals eat and celebrate around the island, congregating in the main square in the afternoon to burn Judas in effigy.
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Mykonos
