One of the first jobs is whitewashing the exterior walls of the houses and the barns. Then the pots are painted and the house is cleaned. At the same time, the Labriat pastries are made, the tsourekia are kneaded, and on Maundy Thursday the eggs are dyed and flowers are collected from yards and gardens to decorate the Epitaph, in the evening, after the end of the service of the 12 Gospels. The people of Kythni, in fact, make their own candles for the procession of the Epitaph and the Resurrection, from natural wax, which they procure from the local beekeepers.
The Great Saturday, now, in the morning, the thermal pies are made. At Dryopidaare small individual, sweet and salty, (with local cheese, unsalted and soft – the “sour”), eggs and dill, while in Country they make them a little bigger, but only salty.
In Chora, they have another special custom. After Resurrection, is offered to the faithful outside the church, in memory of their deceased relatives, the “neighbor”, which is oven-roasted goat. Then they gather at home where custom calls for a goat or lamb soup or oven roast to be served. Her Easter Sunday, the menu in Kythnos traditionally has lamb or goat in the oven with lemon potatoes, although you will now also see them grilled on a spit. For immersive atmosphere, prefer to follow her procession of the Epitaph and monitor its operation resurrection, at Country or at Dryopida.
The most special custom of the island, however, is the “cradle” custom the “weevil» which takes place on Easter Monday at Country. Until the mid-1970s, it was also held in Dryopida, but now only in Chora. The custom of the “swing” was done to formalize a bond but also to make acquaintances in the village, for the youth to meet and flirt, as the girls sat on the swing and the young men rocked them. Between the songs they were singing, they would also catch the conversation. Now, the custom is reenacted by the Cultural Association of the Country, where young men and women, in traditional costumes, sit on the swing singing the corresponding songs. Afterwards, there is a dance with traditional music. Also, on the Wednesday after Easter, the Cultural Association of Chora invites associations from other islands and each presents its dances. The action lasts for three days, with the result that the island is in a festive mood almost all week.
While you are on the island, take some time to see its beauties. If you like walking, Kythnos is an ideal destination at this time when the herbs are blooming. It’s worth going up to Vryokastro which is identified with the ancient capital of the island. The view is unique. Also, an amazing view that reaches across to Gia, you also have from the Castle of Oria or Katakefalo, which was the medieval capital of the island (7th-16th century AD), which was moved there after Vryokastro. Access is up to a point by car and then, of course, by foot. Don’t skip it Katafiki cavenext to village of Dryopida, which tells the mining history of the island. Note that it is accessible only after an organized visit.
Because the days call for it, you will also visit her Panagia the Canal, the most important church of the island, which was built in 1869 after an icon found by fishermen in the channel between Kythnos and Serifos. But Kythnos is also known for its thermal baths, which is why it is also called Heat. In the Loutra villagethere are two hot springs, that of Aghii Anargyri, which is saline and reaches 36°C and is indicated for arthritis, rheumatism and spondyloarthritis and the source of Kakavuwhose temperature reaches 52°C, its water contains bromide, iodide and sodium chloride and is suitable for skin diseases etc.
