The 15^th of August or “Dekapendavgoustos” as it is called in Greek is certainly a big celebration for the Greek nation who eagerly awaits it every year in order to get away at the peak of summer and celebrate the religious feast at any possible destination on an island or a mountainous location. The Dormition of Virgin Mary is an important celebration of the Greek Orthodox Calendar and there are numerous churches bearing her name - Panayia - across Greece. Being at the peak of summer, the outside yards of the churches are full of people who are drawn like a magnet by the traditional musics and the local festivities.

Church of Panayia Portaitissa (island of Astipalaia)

Located on the butterfly-shaped island of the Aegean Sea, Panayia Portaitissa constitutes the religious epicenter of the island and attracts the greatest pilgrimage. Its construction started in 1762 and it was completed in nine years while its history mentions a number of miracles by the picture of Virgin Mary (Panayia Portaitissa) a copy of which was brought over to Astipalaia by Righteous Anthimos.

Monastery of Panayia Panachrandou (Andros island)

The most beautiful Byzantine monastery on the island of Andros is situated on Mt.Gerakones at an altitude of 230 meters. According to references, the monastery was built by Emperor Nikiforos Fokas between 963-969 AD and it hosts the miraculous picture of Virgin Mary created by Evangelist Loukas which was lost and re-found by two monks that had a vision about its location. From the Monastery you will enjoy majestic views to the valley of Messaria and the nearby villages.

Ζagorochoria village complex in Epirus region

A famous destination for the celebration of the “Dekapendavgoustos” religious feast. We visit the villages  of Vitsa and Tselepovo where celebrations for Virgin Mary last for at least three days with plenty of food and folklore dancing.

To experience a true local feast with the customs of Epirus, you may like to visit the villages of : Aspragheli, Vitsa, Greveniti, Dilofo, Dipotamo, Itea, Koukouli, Laista, Makrino, Messovouni, Tselepovo, Fraggades.

 

Church of Panayia Faneromeni (Andros island)

Near village Kohilou, the Castle of Faneromeni is distinguished in Korthi area. Significant festivities take place here for the particular day every year at the Church of Panayia Faneromeni that is situated within the Castle. 

Church of Panayia Kremasti (Rhodes island)

The island of Rhodes preserves the traditional festivities of the "Dekapendavgoustos" celebration and, without doubt, the best place to see the customs for the day are at the Church of Panayia Kremasti.

Church of Panayia Gremniotissa (Ios island)

A very picturesque church built at the edge of a steep cliff which despite its secular and inaccessible location, attracts a significant pilgrimage due to its miraculous picture of Virgin Mary. Its location at a highest peak above the island’s main town, causes the admiration of the inhabitants who believe that the church protects the island from harm as it observes it from above.

 

Church of Panayia Episkopis (Santorini island)

This church dates back to the 11th century AD and was constructed by Emperor Alexios Komninos the first. It contains unique frescoes which have managed to survive through the ages, through depredations and natural catastrophes, mainly earthquakes. It is located at the village of Messa Gonia and constitutes the most significant Byzantine monument on the island of Santorini. The church hosts a very valuable picture of Virgin Mary (Panayia Glikofiloussa) which was brought over from Konstantinopolis in the 11th century.  

Region of Mani - Peloponnese

The “Epitafios of Theotokos” constitutes the epicenter of celebrations for the day in the region of Mani and in the area of Githio in particular. On the 15^th of August visitors of the area will have the opportunity to visit the traditional settlement of Poliaravos for a feast with plenty of food and folklore dancing but also to witness the historical anniversary for the three-day battle held during the raids of Ibraim.

County of Arcadia - Peloponnese

The church of Panayia Episkopiotissa is located in a beautiful, natural setting within the premises of the Tegea archaeological park attracting a large pilgrimage for the 15^th of August.

Visitors in Greece on this particular day should aim at adding a further experience to their summer holiday. Visit our own favorite destinations and experience the traditions to maximum. Enrich your visit to Greece with local delicacies, folklore dancing and a feast that you will remember forever.

From: Eva Kanellopoulos

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