Car hire
Deutch
Ελληνικά
Francais
Italiana
The 15th of August—known as Dekapentavgoustos in Greek—is one of the most significant religious and cultural celebrations in Greece. Often called the “Summer Easter,” this day commemorates the Dormition (Koimisis) of the Virgin Mary, and it blends deep Orthodox spirituality with vibrant local traditions, particularly on the island of Crete.
The Religious Significance
The Dormition of the Virgin Mary marks the day the Panagia (Virgin Mary) is believed to have passed away and ascended to Heaven. It is a day of mourning, reverence, and at the same time, celebration, as Greeks honor the Mother of God, often regarded as the protector of families, villages, and sailors.
In Crete, the Panagia holds a special place in the hearts of locals. Many chapels and monasteries dedicated to her become focal points of pilgrimage, prayer, and celebration on this day.
Celebrations in Crete: A Unique Island Flavor
While the 15th of August is a national holiday across Greece, Crete adds its own distinct character to the festivities:
1. Religious Pilgrimages
Cretans often embark on pilgrimages to ancient monasteries and mountain chapels, walking for hours (sometimes barefoot) to pay their respects. Some of the most visited sites include:
-
Panagia Kalyviani Monastery (near Moires, Heraklion)
-
Monastery of Panagia Chrissoskalitissa (Chania)
-
Panagia Faneromeni Monastery (near Ierapetra)
2. The Festival of Panagia – “Panigyria”
Following the religious services, villages across Crete organize lively panigyria (festivals) with music, food, and dance. The celebration is a reflection of Cretan hospitality and community spirit. You'll find:
-
Live Cretan lyra and laouto music
-
Traditional dances like Pentozali and Sousta
-
Tables filled with local dishes—roasted lamb, dolmadakia, fresh salads, and plenty of raki and wine
3. The Miraculous Icons and Local Legends
Many churches in Crete hold miraculous icons of the Virgin Mary, believed to bring healing or protection. One famous example is the “Panagia Myrtidiotissa” in Lassithi, where locals recount stories of divine interventions.
Some villages also have unique customs, like the appearance of “Mary’s Serpents” in the village of Markopoulo (Kefalonia), but similar folklore tales exist in Crete, connecting nature’s signs with divine blessings.
4. Family Reunions & Homecomings
Dekapentavgoustos is a time when Cretans return to their ancestral villages. Homes are opened, large family tables are set, and the island fills with life as people reconnect with their roots. It's a powerful symbol of family unity and tradition.
Cretan Values in the Celebration
What makes the 15th of August in Crete so special is how it reflects core Cretan values:
-
Filoxenia (Hospitality): No visitor leaves a Cretan village festival hungry or alone.
-
Loyalty to Tradition: Even young Cretans take pride in wearing traditional costumes and learning age-old dances.
-
Respect for Faith & Nature: Many celebrations are set against breathtaking natural backdrops—mountain chapels, olive groves, and seaside monasteries.
A Festival for All the Senses
Experiencing the 15th of August in Crete is more than a religious observance—it's a cultural immersion. The aroma of roasted lamb, the sounds of lyra music echoing through the mountains, the sight of candlelit processions, and the taste of home-cooked feasts make this day unforgettable for locals and visitors alike.
