Mykonos, like every other place in Greece, maintains its own traditions and customs, which visitors have the chance to get to know through various events.
Easter in Mykonos, as throughout Greece, is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed. The procession of the Epitaph in the scenic alleys, the Resurrection of Christ with the following fireworks and of course the much-anticipated Eastern dinner, will undoubtedly remain deeply etched in the memory of every visitor. The celebrations conclude with Juda's burning in the central square of Mykonos.
Theofania, which is how Christ's baptism by John the Baptist is known in Greek, is another big celebration for Mykonos. In January the 6th, priests walk around the streets blessing the houses, until they reach the port together with the rest of the people. There, they throw the cross in the sea to sanctify the waters and thereby bless the marines with good luck throughout the year. It is considered a great honor to dive in the freezing cold sea and catch the cross, and the one to succeed is thought to be greatly blessed.
Besides Easter and Theofania, there are several panigiria-festivals and celebrations of religious nature, such as:
- 30th of June, Fishermen's Festival-Agion Apostolon
- 17th of July, Agias Marina's day in Ano Mera
- 25th of July, Agias Anna's day by the namesake beach
- 26th of July, Agias Paraskevi's
- 27th of July, Agiou Padeleimona in Marathi
- 15th of August, Panagias(Virgin Mary's) Tourlianis in Ano Mera
- 23th of August, Eniamera tis Panagias in Ano Mera (The ninth day of Virgin Mary's death)
- 14th of September, the day of the Cross in Marathi
- 6th of December, Agios Nikolaos day
For further information do not hesitate to contact the ΚΔΕΠΑΜ (KDEPAM: Common Benefit Municipal Association for the Cultural Development of Mykonos) via tel. 22890 - 27190 and 22890 -27791, but also the very active Folk and Cultural Women Association of Mykonos www.mykonoswomenculture.gr , tel. 22890 22892).
