Unique traditions and customs in the Greek islands
Greece is home to countless traditions that have been meticulously preserved throughout history and tradition and are still honored today. The Greek islands have their own traditions, which remain untouched over time. Book your tickets from Let's Ferry to witness unique customs and take part in the most memorable events. Find ferry tickets, itineraries and information for all your favorite destinations.
The Kleidonas festival in Paros
Port in Paros
Between July 21 and July 23, if you happen to be in Paros, you can experience Kleidonas, a tradition that can be also found on some other Aegean islands. The locals expel evil spirits by jumping over the fires while burning May Day wreaths. According to the tradition, unmarried girls are told who their future husband will be.
Therefore, if you are single in Paros at this time, you should attend the celebration to take in the traditional music that goes along with it until the morning so that you can predict what your future holds. Daily departures are scheduled from Piraeus, Naxos, Ios, and Santorini. Daily connections are also available to Mykonos, Syros, Tinos, and Amorgos. Koufonisia, Sikinos, Anafi, Astypalaia, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Kimolos, Schinoussa, Donoussa, Rhodes, Kalymnos, Crete, and Thessaloniki are all regularly serviced.
The Holy Snakes of the Virgin Mary in Kefalonia
Church of Our Lady Fidousa
The snakes of the Virgin Mary appear in Kefalonia on the day of the Savior's feast. A type of snake is said to appear in the church of the Dormition in the village of Markopoulo. The snakes are harmless and is said to bear no resemblance to any known snakes. The custom is observed every year until August 15th in the church and in the image of the Virgin Mary because, according to legend, snakes once appeared in the monastery of this village and saved the nuns from pirates. They are velvety to the touch and have a small cross that appears on their tongue, according to locals and those who rush to see them and confirm the phenomenon. Let's Ferry offers the most affordable ferry tickets available on the market for the ports of Kefalonia Sami and Poros. Order them online and have them delivered to your house or another location of your choice.
Kapetania in Serifos
During the custom
On many Greek islands, the renowned Kapetania is celebrated during the Carnival season. The tradition, which Serifos invented, entails locals dressing up as "masters" and performing an impromptu theatrical performance outside the Monastery of Taxiarches monastery to mock authority. In the Chora and the villages, a Kapetania is made. The two captaincies clash and engage in a fictitious conflict until one captures the other's flag. With violins and bagpipes, the participants tour Chora, Livadi, and the surrounding villages. Serifos is regularly connected to the majority of the Cyclades islands by ferries that leave from Piraeus and Lavrio. You can purchase tickets from Let's Ferry throughout the year.
Marriage in Sifnos
Small church in Sifnos
Since the groomsmen take an active part in the customs and festivities, the wedding in Sifnos is not as simple for the couple as it may seem. You may still come across the Sifnos wedding tradition today. Two musical instrument pairs perform for the revelers over the course of two days and nights, and brittle is also provided. The bride is required by tradition to dance with each guest individually as hundreds of spontaneous good wishes are made throughout the day and night. Whether or not you are invited to a wedding, Sifnos is the top starting point for island hopping on the Greek islands and the ideal place to experience the Cyclades. Find all the connections, information on routes and ferry tickets on Let's Ferry.
New Year's in Hydra
The picturesque Hydra illuminated
In Hydra, on the first day of the year, every door is left open to welcome the first guest. The innkeeper greets him and ties a ribbon around his neck to hang his gift. His invitation to the New Year's table follows. Visit Kaminia on Good Friday if you happen to be on the island to witness the procession of the Epitaph in the sea, a tradition that has persisted since 1923, as well as a number of other traditions. Hydra is notable for its rich history and illustrious traditions.
Varkarola Festival in Paxi
Boats during the Varcavola
If you visit Paxos island this summer, you should witness Varkarola festival in person because it is a custom full of romance and artistry. In the picturesque port of Gaios, the island's choirs perform serenades every July, complete with fireworks. Hold the hand of your significant other and take in the magic of the evening! Travel to the best Ionian paradise by purchasing your tickets through Let's Ferry.
The Kounies (swing) tradition in Kimolos
The custom of Kounia in Kimolos
Easter Sunday in Kimolos, Easter Monday in Kythnos, and Easter Tuesday in Serifos are all days when the Kounia custom is celebrated. On a huge swing that has been erected in the island's central square, young people wearing traditional garb climb. The ascending couple promises to get married in front of everyone. The "Kounia" custom, which refers to the girls' "hammock" during the Athens Anthesteria in honor of the god Dionysus, has its roots in ancient Greece. It was thought that the freedom one felt as the swing rose towards the sky would bring good fortune.
The Rocket War in Chios
Rocket war at Easter
It is impossible to avoid mentioning Chios' infamous and extremely explosive Easter as an example of an island tradition. Everyone is familiar with the well-known rocket battle in Vrondados. Thousands of homemade rockets find a target in the rival church's bell tower. The preparation for the show starts a year in advance, and it is spectacular but also quite dangerous. Visit Chios, the land of mastic, and allow it to enchant you with both its natural beauty and its once-in-a-lifetime customs. Let's Ferry also offers routes to Thessaloniki and Alexandroupolis, and the island has daily connections with Piraeus and Mytilene. Samos, Kos, Rhodes, and the stunning Turkish coast are all easily accessible from Chios.
So much natural splendor combined with so many vibrant customs. Greece is a country bursting with traditions that transport you back in time and reveal the priceless history of each location. Traveling with Let's Ferry will allow you to witness local traditions up close. You have everything you need to plan your vacation right at your fingertips. Book your tickets and start exploring!