Greek customs and traditions in celebration of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary

·

Every year, August 15 holds special significance for all Greeks and that is due to a celebration that serves as the high point of their summer holidays.

On this day, the Christian Orthodox religion celebrates the Dormition of the Virgin Mary who, as Jesus Christ himself, was resurrected to live on forever in heaven.

This day has been hailed as “the Easter of summer” in Greece and the message of hope and victory over death itself has gone on to inspire many people from across the world.

Here are some of the most popular festivities and traditions that take place all around Greece during the August 15th national holiday – also known as ‘Dekapentavgoustos.’

1. In Patmos, which is also known as the isle of the Apocalypse, is where most of the devout followers of the religion gather to take place in the procession of the Epitaph, a tradition that has its roots from the Byzantine era.

2. In Tinos, hundreds of faithful or even simple bystanders gather to pray at the church of the Megalochari. The most popular tradition that is associated with this day says that all those who have received the blessing of the Mother of Christ in their lives will go up the many stairs that lead to the church on their knees.

3. In the village of Siatista of Kozani, this day marks the tradition of the horseback pilgrims, who ride their decorated animals all the way into the Mikrokastro monastery to pay their respects. Their return to the village marks the beginning of the celebrations which go on until the early morning hours.

Photo: Dimitris Papamitsos / Prime Minister’s Press Office.

4. The Koufonisia islands have become a popular tourist location in recent years, so it makes sense that they would have their own unique way of celebrating the occasion. Followers hop on small boats to head down to the Kato Koufonisi, which is where the chapel of Panagia is located. Then, once they’ve completed their prayers and it’s time to head back, the boats enter into a mini-race to see who will make it back to the Pano Koufonisi first. Once they all get back, it’s time to celebrate under the sounds of Greek music, with plenty of food and drinks to go around!

5. In the island of Kefalonia, they have a particularly unique way of celebrating this holiday, as there are many small, non-venomous snakes that appear there during this time of year. At the town of Markopoulo they have named the local church after them (Panagia Fidousa) as it is said that they bring good fortune to the locals and even more so to those daring enough to touch them.

Those are but a few of the many holidays that go on all around Greece on this day, to celebrate the Dormition of the Theotokos.

It’s worth pointing out that August 15 is also a popular name day, so you may want to check your social circles to see if you have anyone called Panagiotis, Panagiota, Maria, Marios, Despina or any abbreviations like ‘Takis’ or ‘Giota’.

Sources: greekpod101 and eea.gr

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

IHO NYX brings Greek Rock to centre stage in Sydney this weekend

As Sunday, April 6 approaches, all eyes are on IHO NYX, the band ready to electrify Sydney with a concert dedicated entirely to Greek Rock.

Party for a purpose: Support the Pontian House at the Winter Wonderland Gala 2025

The Pontian Association of NSW Pontoxeniteas will host its highly anticipated Winter Wonderland Gala 2025 on Saturday, May 31, at 6.30 PM.

‘Comedy Cartel’: A night of laughter at the Hellenic Club of Canberra

Get ready for a night of laughter and cultural celebration as Comedy Cartel makes its debut at the Hellenic Club of Canberra this June.

Cypriot courage remembered: Join the ANZAC Day March, keep their legacy alive 

On Anzac Day we commemorate the bravery and good deeds of Australian, New Zealand and Allied forces over many conflicts.

Orthodox Mission in Madagascar uplifted by Australian generosity

As Bishop Theophilos prepares to return to Madagascar, he issued a statement expressing his deep gratitude for the support and affection.

You May Also Like

Anthony Albanese and Ji Xinping: the meeting after a 6-year political standstill

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Chinese President, Xi Jinping at the G20 summit held in Bali.

92-year-old Greek woman reunited with Holocaust survivors she saved during WWII

One by one, the 40 descendants of a group of Israeli siblings leaned down and hugged the elderly Greek woman to whom they owe...

Five of Greece’s largest museums shut down in protest against new law

Five of Greece's largest museums were shut down on Monday in protest against a new draft law passed to make the museums more autonomous.