By Ilias Karagiannis
In a small workshop in Thessaloniki, “Keradiko”, the flame of creation is lit even before the Easter candles are lit.
Every Easter in Greece, the scent of Easter, the colours of spring, and of course, the traditional choice of candle must be made by young and old alike.
However, in recent years, some candles have stood out not only for their light, but also for their creativity and humour.
The “Metro Thessaloniki” candle and the “Chocolate Dubai” have already climbed to the top of the preferences, while the emblematic “pito-gyro” candle is not only lit in Thessaloniki, but also reaches… all the way to Australia.
Behind these inventive creations is the Gerakis family’s “Keradiko” workshop, which has transformed the handmade candle into a form of contemporary folk art.
Drawing inspiration from current events, TikTok trends, and the suggestions of their customers themselves, their creations combine traditional techniques with smart design. And as everything shows, the light of Greek Easter creation does not stop at the borders, it also lights up in neighborhoods abroad.
The Greek Herald, seizing the opportunity, decided to speak with the soul of the workshop, Alexis Gerakis, who, together with his brother, continues the tradition started by their father in the late ’80s, constantly renewing the product.
How did it all start? Where did the idea to transform the candle into something so original come from?
The truth is that for several years we made more classic candles. But when I started working with my brother, we saw that something different was needed. One year the idea for the pitogyro candle came up. It was also the time when ice cream had become fashionable, so we said “why not do something similar with a Greek identity?” We took it to the next level, added fries, gyros, pita… and there was a panic. We went to an exhibition with 20 other codes, from burgers to tools and saw that people embraced it. That’s where it started.
How many different candles have you created so far?
We currently have over 2,000 codes. 500 are thematic candles, that is, those that have an original shape or idea, and another 1,500 are the most classic, which are simply “dressed up” differently. Every year we add new designs, we work all year long on this. Our painters, the children involved in production, have been active for 12 months, we don’t stop.
The lamp for you is not just a product, but also has an artistic dimension. At least that’s how it seems…
Exactly. We don’t use machines or presses. Everything we make is handmade. And many times our customers ask us for something completely personal or unexpected. That’s where our work stands out. It’s not industrial production. They are small works of art with a touch of humor, something that expresses us.
How are ideas born? Does current events or social media play a role?
Both. An example is the Thessaloniki Metro lamp. We saw how much discussion there was about its operation, that it was something that the people of Thessaloniki had been waiting for for years, and we said “we’ll make it a lamp”. And it was a disaster. Or the “Dubai chocolate”, which combines the craze for sweets with a dose of exoticism. Of course, social media plays a huge role. A candle that goes well on TikTok can skyrocket orders.
Your reputation has reached Australia. How did that happen?
We have a regular customer company from Australia that orders every year. But also several that have placed orders with us in recent years. The pito-gyro-candle has become the absolute viral thing there. I think it touches on a nostalgia – a “something” that reminds us of Greece in the most playful way. And it’s not just Australia. This year we got over 15 new customers in Germany. Orders are now coming from everywhere.
Are there any ideas that come from customers? Something that they have suggested to you and that eventually became a success?
Very often. About half of our codes started from a customer suggestion. Someone comes and says “can you make me a candle of something specific?” and we work on it. Even if it doesn’t become mass production, it can go viral. We see our creations on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and it’s a great joy.
What was the most successful candle of all time?
I would say the one with the pito-gyro candle. No one expected it. It sold tens of thousands of pieces. It touched the world because it is something purely Greek, with humour, and made with love. That’s where it all started.
The next steps? Are you thinking of expanding abroad or collaborating with influencers?
We have already started looking more seriously abroad. There are over ten million Greeks outside Greece who keep their Easter customs with even greater devotion.
Perhaps there will also be collaborations with people who love world, but that will come in due time. We continue to do what we know: make candles with passion.
