ANNUAL
EVENTS
1st January: Called Protochronia
but also St. Basil's Day, when sprigs
of basil are given as traditional gifts.
6th January: Epiphany
-crosses are thrown into harbours on the coastline and islands. The
young men who dive and retrieve them are believed to receive good luck for
the coming year.
February: Carnival
in Athens. Masked bands of revellers take to the streets. Maypole
dancing.
26th March: Greek
Independence Day, military parades.
Clean Monday: First day of lent marked by
frugal meals and when house-cleaning and laundry are undertaken with enthusiasm.
Easter: Easter
is the most important of the Orthodox holidays. Candlelit processions follow
a flower-decked bier on Good Friday.
On Holy Saturday a sacred flame is passed to each household to light a lamp
of faith. On Sunday, lambs are sacrificed and roasted signifying the commencement
of another Spring.
23rd April: St.
George's Day- celebrates the patron saint of Greece.
1st May: May
Day, or Protomagia (Festival
of Spring) marked by processions and flower festivals.
June-September: The
Athens Festival -drama, opera, music and dance performances around
the city. Dafni Wine Festival with
dancing and music.
24th June: Birthday
of St. John the Baptist -a festival of feasts and bonfires.
15th August: Assumption
Day. Processions and festivals at "Panagia" churches across
the city.
28th October: National
Ochi ("No") Day, commemorating Greek defiance of the Italian
invasion of 1940.
December: Carolling in the days before Christmas
and on New Year's Eve. |
|