Customs bound to the sea and maritime memory
Easter in Hydra means traditions closely linked to the island’s maritime history. The leading role belongs to the flower-decked Epitaphios of the parish of Saint John the Baptist in Kaminia. The experience you will have there on Good Friday is unique: after the procession of the Epitaphios, the cortege reaches the sea and the men carrying it step into the water up to their knees. According to the custom, they touch the feet of the bier to the water in order to bless the sea, and a prayer follows for sailors and the safety of their voyages. The custom has been repeated every year since 1923 and began with the sponge divers of Kaminia.
As the procession of the Epitaphios in Kaminia takes place earlier than in Hydra Town, you will have the opportunity to witness all the island’s Easter customs. In Hydra Town, the bells toll mournfully. First the Great Bell of the Monastery sounds, followed by those of the remaining parishes.
According to tradition, the Epitaphioi meet at the northern entrance of the Holy Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin, in P. Kountouriotis Square at the harbour, and are then carried in procession through the island’s cobbled lanes.
The atmosphere is especially devotional on the night of the Resurrection at the Monastery of Prophet Elijah in the island’s interior, where the service is held by candlelight. At the Service of Love, celebrated before noon on Easter Sunday, the faithful receive a red Easter egg from the Metropolitan.
As the procession of the Epitaphios in Kaminia takes place earlier than in Hydra Town, you will have the opportunity to witness all the island’s Easter customs. In Hydra Town, the bells toll mournfully. First the Great Bell of the Monastery sounds, followed by those of the remaining parishes.
According to tradition, the Epitaphioi meet at the northern entrance of the Holy Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin, in P. Kountouriotis Square at the harbour, and are then carried in procession through the island’s cobbled lanes.
The atmosphere is especially devotional on the night of the Resurrection at the Monastery of Prophet Elijah in the island’s interior, where the service is held by candlelight. At the Service of Love, celebrated before noon on Easter Sunday, the faithful receive a red Easter egg from the Metropolitan.
