Assumption of the Virgin Mary 2025 in Greece

The Virgin Mary has many names. In Greek Orthodox tradition, she is often called Panagia. This name also symbolizes the ceremonies commemorating the Assumption of the Virgin.

Celebration Highlights

The most legendary celebration is held on August 15th, when the whole country unites to honor the mother of Christ. Often called summer Easter, this celebration is almost as significant as Easter itself. About 20,000 regional festivals take place around the country on this date, with the most interesting ones being held in Lesvos, Paros, Ikaria, Amorgos, and Kefalonia.

Unusual and Famous Traditions

In Zagorohoria, the celebrations span three full days, culminating in lively dancing that leaves revelers exhausted. Meanwhile, on Lesvos, a tradition sees believers embark on a 25km pilgrimage from Mytilini to the church of the Virgin Mary in Agiassos, where they spend the night in its courtyard. In Koufonissia, the holiday is marked by a sailing race. These are only a few of the unusual Greek traditions, but almost every village in Greece has a special tradition for the Virgin Mary Assumption Day.

Kefalonia

Every year on the day of the Assumption, visitors to Kefalonia witness a unique tradition: harmless snakes appearing on the dome of the church in the village of Markopoulo, as if drawn to the religious festivities. According to local legend, during the era of pirate raids, nuns prayed to the Virgin Mary to transform them into snakes to avoid capture. Moved by their plea, the Virgin Mary granted their request, and now these snakes return each year to express eternal gratitude.

Paros

In the heart of Paroikia, the capital of Paros, stands the impressive paleo-Christian Virgin Mary of Ekatontapiliani, one of the most significant churches in the Aegean islands. Each year, locals and visitors alike join in the icon's procession, dancing to the rhythms of local folklore and enjoying wine from the island. Later, just a few kilometers away in Naoussa, night transforms into day as dozens of boats arrive at the port, adorned with burning torches, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.