Changing seasons

Agios Dimitris

So calm and so serene.  This image was taken today and it is lovely to see the changing seasons, and how different images can look. This picture was taken at the picturesque fishing village of Kilada, which is 13 kms from Ermioni.    The church is called Agios Dimitri, which is located opposite the village of Kilada. Along the harbour front, there are many fresh fish tavernas, which serve excellent quality fish.   One km from Kilada village, there is one of the best beaches called Lepitsa beach, which is sandy. The sea is shallow and this makes a great place for children. 
http://www.ermioni.info/place-of-interest/ermioni (more about Ermioni)
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/ermioni-info/sets/ (more images to enjoy)

Yala Yala - Epiphany 6 January

Metropolitan of Ermionida

Epiphany 6 January

Singing and rocking

The dive

The dignitaries

Cross and icon rescued

The morning of the Epiphany, 6 January, the Metropolitan of Ermionida and Hydra performed the church service, which included the blessing of the water, at the Taxiarches  (Archangels) church, in the old village of Ermioni.   Mass started early in the morning, followed by a procession down to the Limania harbour front, where the priests blessed the sea, followed by the Metropolitan throwing in a wooden cross and icon into the sea.  Young men, who had been drinking the previous night, and who are destined for their military service, sang and rocked the dressed boats, which are moored in the harbour, and dived into the sea to retrieve the cross and icon. The one who gets to the cross first, is blessed with 12 months of good fortune.  This is a very colourful event and is called 'yala-yala'.  After the blessing, the Mayor and other civic dignitaries go back for the blessing and cutting of the Epiphany cake.  Sadly, this traditional historic festival of 'yala-yala' is slowly dying out in Greece, but here in Ermioni, it still continues, and draws in many people from the surrounding areas of Ermionida, to support the tradition. 
http://www.ermioni.info/festivals-in-ermioni (more about Ermioni)
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/ermioni-info/sets/ (more images)

Location of Ermioni

The pine cladded Bisti peninsula

Ermioni from the Milos cafe

The lively Mandrakia harbour

Limania - the port of Ermioni

Ermioni is in the Argolida region of the Peloponnese, Greece. Surrounded by the sea on 3 sides, it has the feel of an island town. For the visitor, there is so much to see and do, and this area of Greece is undiscovered, unspoiled and still manages to maintain many historic traditions.  
http://www.ermioni.info/place-of-interest/ermioni (read more about Ermioni)
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/ermioni-info/sets/(more images to view)