Easter in Central Greece

AMFIKLIA

Here it is worth visiting Dadi in order to savour the unforgettable flavour of Easter in these parts in mainland Greece. 'Lakki" (pits) are made in each neighbourhood, and large numbers of lambs are roasted over these. Eggs, wine and confectionery are also served. Easter Tuesday is the feast day of the Jerusalem Church, at the entrance to the Varsamo gorge. The church service is followed by dancing at Alonaki with groups belonging to the Folklore Society. Freshly-made cheese, wine, red eggs, etc. are served.
MUNICIPALITY : tel.: 22340 22216

ARACHOVA

In the evening of Easter Day, the procession of the icon of St George, consisting of some 500 people in traditional costume, takes place.
The next day a race for the elderly (uphill) is held, starting out from the Church of St George and ending on the hilltop. Dance groups then perform, followed in the afternoon by female dance groups. The festivities continue with traditional "klepht's" competitions, such as "lifting the stone", etc.
MUNICIPALITY : tel.: 22670 31250.

LIVADIA

The most typical custom of this town is the widely-known and unique "Livadia Easter", which is not only kept alive from year to year, but is given new life by the young people, who take part with great enthusiasm and imagination in the custom of the "lakkos" (charcoal pit for roasting the lambs).
After the Resurrection service and before dawn on Easter Day, the preparations for the fire are made. This requires skill and care. One person is chosen, makes the sign of the Cross, sets fire to the heap of wood with a candle from the service. Gradually, by sprinkling it with water and using a long stick to stir it, the fire dies down and the vine branches, instead of turning to ashes, become glowing charcoal, suitable for the roasting of the lamb. The same happens with all the "lakki", and the smoke obscures the rising sun.
The whole town is wrapped in clouds of smoke. The lambs are then positioned over the "lakki", and the turning of the spits and the accompanying merrymaking lasts until afternoon. Traditional dance groups perform and fireworks are set off until the sky of Livadia literally changes colour.
MUNICIPALITY : tel.: 22610 25330.

AETOLIKO

On Good Friday, large numbers of pilgrims visit the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin, where there is a historic liturgical funeral bier of Christ (epitaphios) dating from the 13th-14th century.
In the same church there is also a miracle-working icon of the Blessed Virgin attributed to St. Luke.
From the morning of Holy Saturday, the town's central square is the scene of the observance of many old customs. These continue until the Resurrection service in the evening, which is the climax of the day.
On Easter Sunday each neighbourhood becomes one big open-air lamb roastery.
There is singing and dancing, and wine and traditional refreshments are served (free of charge).
MUNICIPALITY : tel.: 26320 22233

NAFPAKTOS

On the evening of Good Friday, large crowds, consisting of both local people and visitors, form processions to accompany the epitaph, passing through the harbour where lighted torches have been placed for this purpose on the fortress surrounding it. In the centre of the entrance to the fortress, the torches form a large cross, which lights up the harbour, creating a scene of unforgettable beauty. This custom goes back many years and combines the religious ceremonies with the heroic endeavour of captain Anemoyannis who set fire to the Turkish flagship.
MUNICIPALITY : tel. : 26340 27239.