Tsiknopempti is the Thursday during Carnival or the “Greek Mardi Gras” period which marks the beginning of the last weekend that observant Greek Orthodox Church members can “legally” eat meat. Because of this, everyone rushes to prepare and enjoy their…
Culture
Poros is filled with many interesting landmarks! Around every corner you’ll find a slice of the island’s history.
Epiphany, or the Blessing of the Waters
The winter holiday season closes with the Theofaneia or Epiphany on January 6 and, as the traditional carol notes, it’s back to normal life the day after, which is the feast of Saint John. Folklorist and writer Yannis Poulakis notes…
New Year Traditions on Poros
While contemporary Greek culture has assimilated Anglo-American holiday customs, folklorist and writer Yannis Poulakis reminds us that in Greek tradition it is Ayios Vassilis, or Saint Basil, who brings the presents on New Year’s—and not Santa Claus at Christmas. Greek…
Tales of Christmas Past
During Christmas, women cooked and baked special treats like the turkey, usually with a pine-nut stuffing, the Christopsomo bread, and sweets like melomakarona and kourambiedes as well as all the other goodies for the Christmas table. These cookies were arranged…
Christmas on Poros
In Greece, “Christmas” isn’t just a single-day celebration but a holiday period that starts on Christmas Eve and ends with Epiphany (Theofania) on January 6. This dodekaimero, or twelve days, as its known among Poros locals may not be celebrated…