Events

The festival of Agia Matrona takes place on October 20 in the church of Agia Matrona with its characteristic palm tree, in the village of Finikia. It is the most important event of the village and certainly one of the most popular on the island. Preparations start on the eve day, when the church is decorated with bay leaves and the locals cook salted cod with onions, olive oil, boiled potatoes and fresh tomatoes as well as meat in cauldrons or wood ovens and pilaf. When the vesper ends, the big party begins. The feast attracts many locals and tourists who have the chance to taste delicious Greek food, listen to traditional music and dance local dances. The party lasts all night long and early in the morning the faithful go to the church for the morning service and the procession of the icon through the village alleyways which have been strewn with aromatic plants such as rosemary and juniper.