In these Cyclades you will experience the perfect Easter

The islands of Cyclades it is indeed the ideal choice for the Easter holidays.

THE Tinos it shines under the spring sun, with flowers blooming and the sea breeze bringing coolness. The famous Chora and its monastery maintain a unique atmosphere all year round and the religious customs of Holy Week are framed by deep spirituality.

To the beautiful Kythnosthe procession of the Epitaph takes place in an overwhelming atmosphere, while the custom of the “Cradle” creates opportunities for young people to bond.

In ParoParikia and Naoussa come alive and fill their narrow streets with people, while the Holy Week services maintain religious authenticity.

Choose the island that suits you best!

Tinos

The land of Tinos in the spring light really sparkles. The plants in full bloom break the white and seem to smile at you while the sea breeze softens the burn of the sun.

Tinos like Patmos because of the monastery has a special atmosphere all year round. This is also one of the cases that combines religious devotion with island beauties. Even if you don’t believe in goddesses, it is worth attending the Holy Week services as they are characterized by deep spirituality. The Holy Week services take place in a particularly oppressive atmosphere and with all the formalities. On Good Friday, in Chora, all the epitaphists meet on the marble platform of the port where the Praises are sung. Then the epitaph of Saint Nicholas accompanied by the faithful goes to Kalamia and enters the water, there is a prayer for the sailors and a memorial prayer for those who have been lost at sea while at the end boat horns are heard while fires are lit on three crosses on the opposite rock island .

The procession of the Epitaph and the Resurrection in Chora are majestic and impressive without losing their religiosity, however in the villages things are quieter and gather people who prefer less people. In the Resurrection evening, in addition to the barrels, you will also hear the “Tribons”, they are old hand-made weapons from the Middle Ages, which fill them with gunpowder and make a loud noise. If you do motorcades on the island you will also succeed in various festivals that take place from Holy Saturday to Easter Monday.

Kythnos

The small beautiful island of Kythnos is perfect for Easter holidays, religious immersion and relaxation. Here, too, customs and traditions are reverently observed.

The procession of the Epitaph takes place in an overwhelming atmosphere with the faithful following holding lighted candles in their hands. There you will see soybeans and friends going in packs and silently nodding to each other.

On Great Saturday, the day begins with the women making Thermiotiki pies, a typical dish of the island made from unsalted fresh myzithra, eggs and dill, while the Resurrection takes place in a mystical atmosphere wherever you choose to watch it on the island. But this custom that is really of particular interest is the custom of the “Cradle”. On Easter Monday, a large swing is set up in the central square of Chora where the young men and women sit on it with the aim of becoming the consul. Any couple that sits together must also get married, that’s what the tradition says, which now takes place as an event with the young men and women dressed in traditional costumes, after which a feast begins with traditional dances and treats.

And the spring in Kynthos with all the wild herbs in bloom is wonderful. It is worth finding time and walking along one of its wonderful paths that are full of musk this season.

Paros

The famous Cycladic island that is overwhelmed by a multitude of foreign and domestic tourists every summer preserves its customs intact and deserves even more to prefer it for Easter holidays. In the morning you will stroll through the narrow streets of Parikia and Naoussa and drink ouzo under the sun and in the evening you will go to the monasteries and chapels for Holy Week services.

If you want to experience the full Easter atmosphere, you will go to the village of Marpissa, which is famous for its customs. Here, on Good Friday, in the morning after the demobilization, the villagers leave outside the church figs and fasting sweets in honor of the dead, while in the evening, during the procession of the epitaph in various parts of the road, groups of locals represent the twelve passions of Jesus. But you will also go to the village on Easter Sunday, when there is a big feast after the morning service at the stadium. In the morning, there is a litany with the image which ends up in the mills for the “burning of Judas”. He then returns to the church where the procession is welcomed by small children dressed as angels to represent the resurrection of Jesus. At the end of the litany, everyone heads to the stadium for dancing and food, there also revives the custom of the “Cradle” corresponding to that of Kythnos.