The festival of the Panagia of Chrisopigi in Sifnos holds great significance as the island’s largest and most esteemed celebration, renowned throughout the Cycladic islands. Every year on Ascension Day, both locals and visitors from other places dress in their finest attire and gather at the revered cliff of Chrisopigi to pay tribute to the Mother of Jesus.
The longstanding tradition of the “Panigiras”, the festival organizer, remains intact to this day. The Panigiras bears all the expenses of the festival and assumes responsibility for the upkeep of the church for an entire year. While it is customary for the holy icon to be kept at the Panigiras’ residence as a mark of honor, an exception is made for the Chrisopigi icon, which is housed at the parish church. On the day of the festival, accompanied by priests, the icon is transported by boat to the Panagia Chrissopigi church.
Vespers commence at 6:30 PM, followed by a traditional dinner featuring delectable local dishes such as revithada, olives, veal in tomato sauce, and pasta. Local terracotta jugs are used to serve wine during the festivities.
For more about Sifnos gastronomy click here.
