Island Breeze by Sarah O. #8 – Claire’s visit to the Saint Gerasimos celebrations
A wonderful experience of local culture! During her week’s visit to Kefalonia we took my mother-in-law Claire to the celebrations of Saint Gerasimos on 20th October. It was a beautifully sunny and hot day and as we approached the Omala Valley we could see how busy the area around the monastery was because the sun… Read more
Virgin Mary Drapaniotissa Celebrations
Theotokos Myrtidiotissa is honoured in Kefalonia at St. Dionysios church (or Church of Virgin Mary in Drapano) where the Sacred Icon is kept. Theotokos Drapaniotissa is the Patron of Argostoli and is also known as “Panagia of Drapano” or simply “Drapaniotissa” . Celebrated on the 24th September where ceremonies in her honour take place and… Read more
My Easter in Kefalonia!
Whether you are religious or not, Easter in Greece is an important period of custom and traditions so connected with our childhood and upbringing that following and protecting them is a matter of respect to our history and generations gone by. Nowadays a lot of the customs have fainted, but still, especially the older women… Read more
Christmas Celebrations and Traditions in Kefalonia, by Anna
Christmas in Kefalonia is a holiday full of activity, food and, of course, festive traditional celebrations. Many of the celebrations are religious in nature and whilst Easter is the most important holiday celebrated in Greece there are still many reasons to come and celebrate Christmas Kefalonian style! You will recognize many Christmas traditions but there… Read more
Road trip of temples, snakes and lilies – 15th August
One of the most important dates in the Eastern Orthodox calendar is 15th August – the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It’s a national holiday which sees events taking place all over the country to celebrate Mary ascending into heaven. Of course Kefalonia celebrates too, so Anna and I decided to visit some of the… Read more
Assumption of Virgin Mary, Arginia
At the church in the tiny settlement of Arginia, high up on the mountainside above the south coast, there is an icon of the Virgin Mary depicting her with snakes. Each August, around the feast of the Assumption on the 15th, snakes appear at the church and rest on the icon. Parishioners and visitors are… Read more
Panagia Lagouvarda or Fidoussa, Markopoulo
The church of Panagia Lagouvarda or Fidoussa (of the snakes) is located in the mountainside village of Markopoulo around 30km from Argostoli. The church is renowned throughout the Orthodox world for the icon which depicts the Virgin Mary with small snakes. “Panagia Fidoussa” is the name given to the image – Virgin of the Snakes… Read more
Virgin Mary Gravaliotissa or of the Krina (lillies), Pastra
The church of Gravaliotissa is located in the small mountain village of Pastra and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. On August 15th the feast of the Assumption is celebrated on Kefalonia and this particular church plays an important role in the celebrations drawing many visitors and tourists from all over the world to witness… Read more
The Festival of Grape Harvest and Moustalevria
The Festival of Grape Harvest and Moustalevria is held annually at Agia Paraskevi, Troianata, in the heart of the Robola wine area. The festival is one of the most important events of the year in the wine region and illustrates the cultural heritage of the area, specifically the harvest of the famous grapes which make… Read more
August Calendar of Events in Kefalonia!
August holds many fantastic opportunities to get involved with events, festivals and dances! Here is a small selection to choose from, check out the links for more information, look out for posters around the island advertising other events. 1st/2nd at Platis Gyalos, Fikia Beach, Marina Argostoliou, Ktima Haritatou, Annoula Beach, Alsos Kalitheas, SeaNema Open Air Film Festival… Read more
Archaic Temple of Apolo & St George’s church in Skala
The Archaic Temple can be found on the main road of Skala. This Doric temple dates from the 6th century BC – early 5th century BC (Archaic period) and was dedicated to the Greek god Apollo. Archeologist Spyridon Marinatos excavated the site in 1960, it is unique on the island as it is the only site… Read more
Calendar of Events 2019
Updated weekly as information is received. Throughout the year many events take place in Kefalonia -religious celebrations and feasts, arts festivals, wine and food festivals, gymnastic symposiums, road races and much more – this calendar of events also includes national holidays and observances. If you are organising an event, or know of something happening, and… Read more
Barcarolle Festival in Assos
The Βarcarolle (or Varkarolla) Festival is held every year on the 24th of August in the beautiful village of Assos as well as in Lixouri. The event in Assos has been combined with the religious celebration of Saint Cosmas of Aetolia, a great preacher and prophet that came to Kefalonia in 1777 for the first time. On… Read more
Celebrating the 25th of March in Kefalonia
The 25th of March is, for us the Greeks, a double celebration, both historical and religious, commemorating the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821 as well as the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Annunciation by archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would become the mother of Jesus, the Son of God. 25th… Read more
St. George’s icon procession at Skala
Every year on Saint George’s Day the icon of St. George is taken from Skala church in a procession which goes down to the beach and follows the coastal road to Saint George’s little church at the area of Gradou. Locals and visitors follow the procession that is been led by proud men riding majestic… Read more
Pottery Breaking – Easter tradition
This old tradition some say comes from the Venetians of the 16th century who used to throw all their old and useless objects and pots out of their windows, others say comes from Pagans symbolising the welcoming of spring… Whatever the origin of this tradition is, it stays alive many years now at mid day of Holy… Read more
Agrilia Monastery of Mother of God, Sami
Located a few km from Sami village towards Antisamos beach,and about half way in between, you will find a signpost. The monastery was built in 18th century on the spot where the miraculous icon of Theotokos was found by two shepherds and their maid in 1722.
Religious celebrations during summer season
All the most important festivals and events of Kefalonia have religious connotations. Orthodox religion and Christianity form the basis of Greek culture and the major holidays are associated with the worship of Christ or the commemoration of the Patrons. If you are travelling early summer season you may celebrate with us, Easter in Kefalonia, which, as in all… Read more
Religious celebrations during winter season
All the most important festivals and events of Kefalonia have religious connotations. Orthodox religion (almost all the population) and Christianity form the basis of Kefalonia culture and the major holidays are associated with the worship of Christ or the commemoration of the Patron. Ag.(Saint) Vasileios on January 1st, one in Ag. Vasileios ‘s Church in Kerameies… Read more
Atros Monastery Trail
Panagia of Atros is the oldest monastery of Kefalonia, sits at an altitude of 760 meters above the bay of Poros, 37 km from Argostoli. Built around the 8th century, it is a rare element of monastic architecture. Until this day the medieval tower is still preserved in good condition. It was destroyed many times by earthquakes and fire. But… Read more