on June 24th
In Ikaria, faith, tradition, and community life are deeply intertwined. A prime example of this is the feast of Saint John the Baptist, which is closely connected with the ancient folk ritual of Kleidonas. The festival takes place every year on June 24th in the village of Christos in Raches, Ikaria, combining religious devotion, folk traditions, and lively celebration.
Religious and Folkloric Significance
The day begins with the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint John the Baptist. Saint John is considered the protector of waters and the fruits of the earth, and his feast coincides with the beginning of summer—a season of life and renewal. Villagers attend with devotion, lighting candles and praying for good health, a bountiful harvest, and fortune.
Alongside the religious observance, the folk ritual of Kleidonas is kept alive. This tradition has roots in pre-Christian Greece and celebrates the arrival of summer and the renewal of nature. Fire, songs, and symbols of water and plants all reflect the community’s connection to nature. Young villagers participate in playful competitions and fortune-telling activities, thereby preserving customs that have been passed down through generations.
The Kleidonas Ritual
According to tradition, the youth gather around fires or specially prepared areas, performing rites linked to love, luck, and future predictions. Young women used to place objects in water or linen representing their wishes or desires, while the young men interpreted signs from the fire or water to foresee whom they might marry or what their fortune would be. Today, the ritual is more festive, but it retains elements of folk divination and wisdom, keeping the ancient customs alive.
The Feast and Dancing
After the liturgy and the Kleidonas rituals, villagers set long tables in the square. Traditional dishes such as roast goat or lamb, meze, cheeses, and fresh vegetables are served alongside local wine and raki. Music from the violin and lute fills the square, and everyone joins in the dancing.
The Ikarian dance, with its distinctive rhythm and inclusive spirit, is the hallmark of the festival. Locals and visitors join hands, forming long lines, and celebrate together well into the night, embodying the spirit of unity and hospitality that Ikaria is known for.
The Ikariotikos dance of the festivals is the most well-known and lively traditional dance of Ikaria, and it is an integral part of the island’s festival culture, bringing everyone together.
Indicative Festival Program
- 07:30 – 10:30: Matins and Festive Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint John the Baptist.
- 10:30 – 11:00: Distribution of blessed bread and offerings to the faithful.
- 11:00 – 13:00: Participation in the Kleidonas rituals, games, and fortune-telling traditions.
- 13:00 – 18:00: Serving traditional dishes in the village square, accompanied by music and dance.
- 18:00 – 20:00: Break and rest for villagers and visitors.
- 20:00 – until dawn: Nighttime celebration with continuous Ikarian dancing, singing, and local drinks.
The Spirit of the Festival
The feast of Saint John the Baptist in Christos (Raches) combines religious devotion, ancient folk tradition, and community spirit. It is a celebration where history, customs, and human warmth merge, offering visitors an authentic experience of the Ikarian soul.
