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The Festival that Smells of Pasta and Goat
Every year on May 21st, Komiaki — the highest village of Naxos — comes alive. The festival of Saints Constantine and Helen is not just a religious celebration, but a whole experience that blends faith, flavours, and music. The spirit of Saints Constantine and Helen echoes through the village, bringing people together.
The setting: two chapels and a natural square
Two small stone chapels, built side by side, host the morning service. Around them, a natural square shaded by giant plane trees becomes the gathering place for villagers, returning migrants, and travellers. It is here that the great feast of the festival unfolds. This gathering is a tribute to Saints Constantine and Helen, where everyone contributes to a vibrant community atmosphere.
As guests savour the flavours, stories are shared among friends and family. Conversations flow as freely as the wine, with laughter punctuating the air. The feast is not merely a meal, but a time spent together, reinforcing bonds and creating new memories. This sense of community is what makes the festival truly special, transforming a simple gathering into a cherished tradition.
The preparation of the goat meat is a labour of love. Families come together in the days leading up to the festival to ensure everything is perfect. The cooking process, which requires skill and patience, becomes a communal activity, with everyone contributing.
During the festival, the local wine and raki are sourced from family-owned vineyards and distilleries. The locals take pride in their beverages, as they are not merely drinks, but a testament to Naxos’ rich agricultural heritage.
The food: Komiaki’s famous “makaronada”
Food at this festival is inspired by the traditions associated with Saints Constantine and Helen, making it a culinary highlight of the year.
The amazing flavours remind everyone of the blessings of Saints Constantine and Helen.
At the heart of the celebration lies the food. In massive cauldrons, goat meat (“zoula”) is slow-cooked without water, only in its own juices. Into this rich broth goes simple pasta — usually “Stella No. 6” — which absorbs the flavours and becomes irresistible.
The result? A hearty, aromatic makaronada (pasta) served generously to everyone by volunteers, with hundreds of plates making their way through the crowd. Local wine and raki flow freely, as Naxian hospitality dictates.
The lively music celebrates the spirit of Saints Constantine and Helen, inviting everyone to dance and enjoy.
The music: from violin to tsabouna
Once the guests are full, the feast gives way to music. Local musicians set the rhythm with violins, lutes, tsabounas (bagpipes), and drums. Soon the circle of dance grows wider, and the square fills with sounds, laughter, and steps that last until late into the night.
The morning prayer service honours Saints Constantine and Helen, marking the beginning of the festivities.
Festival Day (May 21), indicative program
- 08:00 – 10:00: Morning prayer service and Divine Liturgy at the chapel of Saints Constantine & Helen.
- 10:30 – 13:00: Preparation and serving of the traditional food:
- 13:00 – 17:00: Communal meal under the plane trees.
- Afternoon – Night: Festivities with violins, lutes, tsabounas (bagpipes), and drums. Traditional Cycladic dances last until late in the evening.
The meaning: a living tradition
Join in the celebration as we pay homage to Saints Constantine and Helen, enjoying a meal together.
Throughout the day, the festival emphasises the importance of community and the bonds that tie the people of Komiaki together. It serves as a reminder of their shared history and heritage, fostering a sense of belonging. For those who return home for the festival, it is a moment of reconnection, a time to reflect on their roots and the values that define their identity.
For the people of Komiaki, this festival is much more than a custom. It’s a chance to reunite, welcome home those who’ve been away, and show visitors the essence of the Naxian spirit. It’s a moment of shared memory and joy, where faith blends seamlessly with community.
✨ If you’re in Naxos in May…
Don’t miss the chance to climb up to Komiaki. Beneath the plane trees, you’ll discover one of the most authentic festivals in the Cyclades. Your experience in Naxos will undoubtedly be enriched by the influence of Saints Constantine and Helen, making it unforgettable.
