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August 29th, An Authentic Celebration of Naxos
Naxos is renowned for its numerous festivals that combine deep religious faith with local tradition and genuine Cycladic hospitality. One of the most characteristic and authentic is the Feast of Saint John in Apeiranthos, held every year on August 29, the day of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist.
The Beginning of the Celebration
The day starts with a Divine Liturgy at the small chapel of Saint John, just outside the village. Locals and visitors gather there to honour the Saint in a ceremony that is simple yet filled with reverence. The scenery surrounding the chapel, with views of the mountains and the terraced landscape of Apeiranthos, adds a unique sense of tranquillity and spirituality.
From Church to Festivity
After the service, the celebration moves to the village square. Tables are set with traditional dishes prepared by the women of the village: roasted potatoes, wine-braised rooster, zucchini fritters, along with local wine and raki, offering guests an authentic taste of Naxian culinary tradition.
The Music and Dance of Apeiranthos
As evening falls, music takes centre stage. The violin, lute, and tsambouna (bagpipe) set the rhythm, while locals, young and old alike, join hands in Naxian traditional dances, such as the syrtos and ballos. The atmosphere grows ever more lively; laughter, improvised rhyming couplets (known as kotsakia), and the joy of shared celebration keep the spirit high late into the night — often until dawn.
A Celebration of Community
The Feast of Saint John is more than just an annual event; it is a testament to the unity and strength of Apeiranthos. Everyone participates: men organise the space and the music, women cook and serve, young people dance and sing, and visitors quickly become part of the gathering.
Why You Should Experience It
Apeiranthos is renowned for its authenticity, and the Feast of Saint John is the ideal opportunity to experience it. This is not a tourist spectacle but an immersion into the very heart of local life — filled with music, flavours, emotions, and shared joy.
If you find yourself in Naxos at the end of August, don’t miss the chance to make your way up to Apeiranthos and take part in this unique celebration. You’ll leave with images, sounds, and aromas that will stay with you forever.
