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On September 8th.
Draped along the ridge of a steep slope with enchanting views of the sea, Kardiani is one of the most picturesque villages of Tinos. No roads cut through the village—only narrow lanes and stairways wind through its brilliantly white houses. Plane trees and lush flora flourish, nourished by waters flowing beneath arches and along flower-filled alleyways. The Ministry of Culture has designated Kardiani as a Traditional Settlement.
The village has a longstanding tradition in marble sculpting, producing numerous skilled craftsmen. Their artistry is evident in the marble fountains, the central square fountain, and the marble skylights that adorn the houses. Kardiani is a religiously mixed community, home to both the Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity and the Catholic Church of the Birth of the Virgin (Kioura), both remarkable works of art. The Church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary, located in the village centre, celebrates its feast on September 8th.
Religious Significance
The Festival of Panagia Kardiani is celebrated on Easter Monday, the day after Resurrection Sunday. It begins with a Divine Liturgy at the Church of Panagia Kardiani, followed by a procession of the church icon through the village streets, where the faithful sing hymns and offer prayers. This ceremony reinforces community spirit and devotion.
On Tinos, it is customary to whitewash both the interior and exterior of the church on its saint’s day. Women from the village clean the surrounding area, polish candlestands, and decorate the sanctuary with flowers. After Mass, treats are served in the courtyard, and the festival often culminates in the village square with balo and syrto dances accompanied by violin music.
Cultural Highlights
Following the religious ceremonies, the celebration continues with a traditional feast, music, dancing, and local delicacies. Residents and visitors participate actively, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere. Traditional dances such as the syrto and kalamatianos are an integral part of local heritage, fostering unity and community spirit.
Locals celebrating their name day often open their homes to visitors, decorating tables with fine dinnerware and white tablecloths. Guests enjoy a bounty of local dishes served with an abundance of wine until late in the evening. Typical offerings include psarakia, meringues, pasteli, xerotigana, and homemade raki. Tinos’ traditional specialities include artichokes prepared in various ways, sun-dried tomatoes in batter, froutalia, savore with molasses, fried fish with petimezi sauce, pork sausages, saltsisi, and louza. Cheeses include the famed graviera and kopanisti, while sweets feature amygdalota, xerotigana, karidota, pasteli, loukoumi, various types of halva, and the renowned thyme honey of Tinos.
Indicative Program
Easter Monday:
- Morning: Divine Liturgy at the Church of Panagia Kardiani
- Midday: Procession of the church icon through the village streets
- Afternoon: Traditional feast with music, dance, and local delicacies
Participating in the Festival of Panagia Kardiani offers a unique opportunity to experience the religious devotion, folk traditions, and culinary heritage of Tinos in one memorable event..
