Crete: Ikarus Rock Festival

A new free music festival is going to rock the island of Crete this August. Combine the crowds of youngsters with the beautiful scenery of Crete and the music and you’ve got the best reason ever to spend your vacation in Crete this summer. When? Sunday, August 10, 2008; begins at 4 PM Where? Avdou,…

Greek Orthodox Good Friday

Millions of Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday on April 25, 2008*. Good Friday (or Great Friday) is a day of mourning. The icon of Christ is taken off the cross, wrapped in linen and put in the Epitafios, which symbolizes the tomb of Christ. Late at night the Epitafios is carried through the town is…

Palm Sunday in Greece

Palm Sunday is a very important day of the Greek Orthodox Church. It’s celebrated on the Sunday before Easter*. Palm Sunday is celebrated to commemorate the triumphal entry of Jesus in Jerusalem on the back of a young donkey after the miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. The people of Jerusalem greeted Jesus waving…

Galaxidi: Clean Monday Flour War

Clean Monday marks the first day of Orthodox Lent in Greece. Although there’s still an atmosphere of carnival on the streets, only “pure” food is eaten. Galaxidi, a city located 200 km/124 miles from Athens, is home to an annual flour war. The “war” is a long kept tradition which happens every year on the…

Carnival Season in 2008

If we still haven’t given you enough reasons to visit Greece, here’s another one: Carnival Season! Also known as Greek “Mardi Gras”, in 2008 it lasts from mid-February to mid-March. Weather In this period, the weather is still cold and wet but you can expect really clear days. On the islands, the sunny days start…

Easter in Greece

Easter is the most memorable holiday to be spent in Greece. Even if you are not the most devout Christian, you can’t help but be moved by the celebrations and they way life renews after 40 days of fast. But the beauty of the holiday is only “competing” with the beauty of nature. Springtime in…