Arachova, Festival of Saint George

At the highest point of Arachova village lies the imposing church of Agios Georgios (Saint George). To reach it requires climbing 264 steps. The courtyard of the church is ornate, with relief plaques, bearing patterns from the woven fabrics of Arachova, that are handmade by local craftsmen. At this church annually on the 23rd of April the locals organize a three-day panigiraki (small festival) a large, impressive festival in honor of Agios Georgios, with a procession of the icon, customary races, local dances with participants wearing costumes of the Arachova region, and finally a celebration in the church courtyard

The visitors of the village participate and experience customs and traditions of Arachova, the roots of which are lost over the centuries. Some of them are “the dancing of the elders” with the locals dressed in traditional costumes, “the uphill run of men”, where young and old compete in the battlefield of Karaiskakis (a General and hero of the Greek Revolution) in local attire , the “Hallasma of the Feast”, which is an authentic Arachovite feast held in the courtyard of the church of Agios Georgios with food, wine, dance, and traditional music.

Photo: newsbeast.gr