We mentioned these days that the Virgin Mary holiday is very significant in Greece. It is celebrated on August 15th and in many places in Greece then are organised “panigiri”, something like a fair in Serbia.
The celebration of this holiday begins after the liturgy, and the churches dedicated to the Holy Mother of God also have a service for all present.
If you are in Greece on the 15th of August, we advise you to visit the closest place to celebrate, the best in evening.
On Thassos is celebrated in Rahoni, Potos, Panaguda Monastery in Maries. Most visitors have village Panagia, so we recommend that you to visit in on August 15th.
On Sithonia, visit Sarti or Poligiros, on Kassandra Pefkohori (or Afytos), and on Atos Megali Panagia. If you are on Lefkada, visit the village of Egluvi. If you are in Kefalonia, don’t miss to visit the village of Markopoulo and the church where the so-called Virgin snakes appear.
The most famous Panigiri in Greece is held on the island of Ikaria.
In all mentioned places you can enjoy buzuki, folk games and delicious food.