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
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
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 2020
Updated weekly as information is received. At the time of publishing all of the following events are correct but also subject to any new Covid-19 restrictions and protocols. 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 – … 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
Agioi Fanentes Monastery, Sami
The ruins of Agioi (Saint) Fanentes Monastery are located a few km from Sami on the way to Antisamos beach. Here you can admire superb frescoes from the post-Byzantine era.
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
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
Kipouria Monastery
Breathtaking Sunset! During your day trip to the Paliki area, 15km from Lixouri and very close to Platia Ammos, you can find Kipouria Monastery (Moni Kipouraion) built in 1759 by Archimandrite Chrysanthos Petropoulos from Paxos. Its name “Kipouria” comes from the greek word “kipos” (land, vegetable garden) as the monks supported themselves by cultivating all the land… Read more
Saint (Agios) Gerasimos, Omala
The religious centre of Kefalonia is undoubtedly the Monastery of Agios (Saint) Gerasimos at Omala. The monastery is located 15km from Argostoli where twice a year, thousands of believers gather to worship Agios Gerasimos. A few people vow to go to the monastery on foot from their houses just before the celebrations of August 16th, to honour the Saint for supporting… Read more