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March 25th
March 25th in Paleochora is not just a date on the calendar; it is a celebration that unites religious faith with national identity. It is both the Feast of the Annunciation and the anniversary of the Greek Revolution, where the memory of the past meets the joy of the present.
Morning – Start of the Day (08:00 – 11:00)
From early in the morning, around 8:00, the town awakens to the sound of the bells of Panagia Evangelistria echoing over the Libyan Sea. The streets fill with people: women wearing traditional headscarves, children waving little flags, and men arriving from nearby villages.
Inside the church, locals decorate the icon of the Annunciation with wildflowers, lemon blossoms, and manousakia flowers, creating a lively spring scene. By 9:00, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy begins, filled with chants and incense that envelop the space with a sense of reverence. At 10:30, the icon is carried in a procession through the main streets, accompanied by traditional instruments and dances, while the sun warms the air, adding life and color to the celebration.
Midday – Flavors and Life in the Square (11:00 – 15:00)
After the procession, around 11:00, the square and the waterfront come alive. Stalls with traditional sweets, kalitsounia, fasting dishes, children’s games, and handmade folk crafts line the streets. The sound of lyres and lutes stirs everyone into dance; a pentozalis begins, and locals and visitors alike join in the circle.
Around 13:00, the town fills with the aroma of traditional dishes. Salted cod with garlic sauce, kalitsounia with greens, raki, and local wine are served. Families gather around tables, friends meet again, and those who have returned from abroad reconnect to experience the festival once more.
Afternoon – Traditional Celebration (15:00 – 18:00)
At 15:00, the traditional celebration starts in the square. Dance circles grow larger, with locals and visitors performing syrtos, pentozalis, and maleviziotis dances. Music fills the air, while the late afternoon sun casts warm hues over the faces and the Libyan Sea.
Evening – Relaxation and Closing (18:00 – 22:00)
After 18:00, quieter moments begin. Cafés fill with conversations, memories are shared, and children play around the square. Between 20:00 and 22:00, the festival closes with music and dancing by the sea. Lanterns light up Paleochora, creating a magical atmosphere as the community comes together to celebrate its rich heritage, including religion, history, and tradition.
March 25th in Paleochora is not just a festival; it is a journey through time. Each moment connects the past with the present, leaving a lasting sense of celebration and the spirit of Greece.
