Festival of the Holy Cross-Tinos, Ktikados,

Tinos is renowned for its numerous festivals, each one a vibrant representation of the island’s cultural and social life. Among the most cherished is the Feast of the Cross in Ktikados, celebrated every year on September 14th, the day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

The Church of the Holy Cross is located in the traditional village of Ktikados, with its numerous examples of distinctive architecture, picturesque cobblestone alleyways and beautiful houses adorned with marble lintels. The characteristic of the village is the absence of any roads cutting through it: one moves around on foot. Impressive are its beautiful architecture, the antique public fountain in the village square, and its plethora of carved marble details throughout the village, in particular at the Orthodox Church of Ypapanti. The Catholic church of the Holy Cross is found at the entrance to the village and is possibly the oldest on the island—the church steeple dates from around the 12^th century. The island of Tinos is known for its rich cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for visitors.

A festival takes place on September 14th, following a holy liturgy, where everyone is invited to participate. On the island of Tinos, it is a tradition to whitewash inside and out every church whenever it celebrates the memory of the saint to whom it is dedicated, while women of the village clean up the area around the church, polish the candlestands, and decorate the sanctuary with flowers. This vibrant celebration reflects the essence of Tinos. After Mass, treats are served in the courtyard. The festival sometimes culminates in the main square with balo and syrto dances to the sounds of musicians playing instruments based on the violin.

People celebrating their name day open their homes to the public, having decorated their tables with beautiful dinner sets and white tablecloths. A bounty of local dishes is served with abundant quantities of wine until late in the evening, with offerings of psarakia, meringues, pasteli, and xerotigana along with homemade raki. The hospitality found here is a hallmark of Tinos.

This festival is much more than a celebration — it’s a heartfelt tradition that brings the whole community together. Visitors are warmly welcomed into the village’s lively atmosphere, where open homes, local delicacies, music, and dancing create an unforgettable experience.

The Feast of the Cross is a true reflection of Tinian hospitality and spirit. Here, sacred devotion blends harmoniously with island joy, offering travellers the chance to discover the authentic soul of Tinos.

Tinos’ traditional dishes are artichokes cooked in a variety of ways, sun-dried tomatoes with batter, froutalia, savour with molasses, fried fish with petimezi sauce, pork sausages, the saltsisi, and the louza of Tinos. Cheeses include the famed graviera and the kopanisti. As for sweets, famous are the amygdalota, xerotigana, karidota, pasteli, loukoumi, and various kinds of halva, as well as the renowned thyme honey of Tinos.

Experience Tinos: A Cultural Celebration

Indicative program

Morning – Religious Events

The island is filled with vibrant traditions and a warm community spirit.

• 08:00 – 09:30: Festive Divine Liturgy at the Catholic Church of the Holy Cross.

Midday – Social Gathering

• 12:00 – 14:00: Traditional meal with meze (cheese pies, pasteli, xerotigana) and raki.

Afternoon/Evening – Celebration and Cultural Events

• 17:00 – 19:00: Traditional music and dancing in the village streets.
• 19:00 – 22:00: Large festival with music, dancing, and wine.
• 22:00 – …: End of celebration or continuation late into the night at local cafes.