27 August 2012

Ermioni Ionian Evening



Because Ermioni is a small town, it is interesting to note that still today, cultural events are performed.  On a warm summers evening, the grounds of the Dimos was packed by the local community on Saturday 18 August, to watch a performance, which illustrated their Ionian cultural roots, which followed the tragic Smyrna disaster in 1922.  Following an exchange of populations, many refugees settled in and around Ermioni, bringing with them their Ionian traditions, music and songs.  The evening showed historic images and voices from Asia Minor and Ermioni from the early 20th C.  Traditional songs, poetry, music and dances were performed in remembrance of events 90 years ago.

Little is written about Ermioni in any guidebooks, but it is a super place to visit, to enjoy and experience what the community has to offer.  Throughout the year, there is a full calendar of events, from religious ceremonies, to traditional cultural events.  Many sought after traditional holiday houses are available to rent for the holiday maker, which all add to the charm of spending a great holiday in a perfect Greek location.  For those who wish to consider investing within the region, there are also some great places to buy, from land, to villas, to traditional Greek houses or renovation projects.



http://www.flickr.com/photos/ermioni-info/sets/72157631156841662/
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http://www.ermioni.info/

Ermioni Panaghia Festival

The floral Epitaphios
The blessing of the bread
Epitaphios carried through the village
Brought back to the chur
Blessed bread given out
Holy pictures given out




























The largest celebration in Greece to the Holy Virgin is the Dormition, or Assumption, which is 14/15 August.  In the old village of Ermioni, there is a church named Panaghia, so this annual August feast has an extra special meaning, and many people from all over Greece attend.  Mass starts in the evening of 14 August, followed by a candle lit procession.  The floral Epitaphios is carried through the village, down to the harbour front, then back to the church.  Once back at the church, people pass under the Epitaphios, back into the church where a blessing is given by the priests, followed by the giving out of the blessed bread.

26 August 2012

Nostalgic musical evening























A very nostalgic musical evening of historic serenades was performed by the Ermioni Kantada group on Saturday 4 August.  In the past, traditional serenades were performed by musicians and singers strolling through the winding old village of Ermioni, the town and port, during the 1950's and 1960's.  The group Kantada reunited and performed this particular Saturday evening to a packed audience, which included civil and religious representatives of the Ermionida region.  It was a wonderful opportunity for young and old to reflect and enjoy a traditional custom from a long ago.
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http://www.ermioni.info/

The 'blessing of horses' at the Monastery of Agioi Anargyroi


















Following the end of the all night mass for the hundreds of pilgrims on June 30, the morning of July 1, is celebrated with the festival of 'blessing of horses' which is a tradition that goes back hundreds of years, well before the age of the car.  Horse owners from around the region descend upon the monastery, late morning, then take their horses through the gates which lead into a charming large courtyard.  Within this courtyard, most of the owners and their horses are blessed by the visiting priest.  After the blessings, the riders make their way back to Ermioni, or Kranidi for a final gathering and celebration.
http://www.ermioni.info/festivals-in-ermioni
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http://www.ermioni.info/

The festival at the Monastery of Agioi Anargyroi

Monastery of Agioi Anargyroi
The Byzantine church altar
The floral Epitaphios
The outside of the Monastery



















The Monastery of Agioi Anargyroi is an 11th C Byzantine monastery and was originally built on the temple ruins of the ancient god of healing, Asklepios.  Even today, the monastery tries to care for people as well as stray and sick animals.  

Every year, on the 30 June, thousands of Pilgrims from the whole of Greece, descend upon the Monastery of Agioi Anargyroi, which is located 4.5 kms from Ermioni, to pay their respects, buy candles, enter the monastery church, and pray.  The route is lined with many market stalls, selling all types of merchandise, fancy goods, as well as snacks, food and drinks. Because of the volume of cars and buses, the near-by is used as a parking area, which is supervised by police.

The annual festival of St Peter and St Paul at Iliokastro

 St Peter and St Paul
The blessing of bread
Start of the procession
Blessings by the priests

On the 28 June, in the mountainous village of Iliokastro, which is 9 kms from Ermioni, one can enjoy the annual festival of St Peter and St Paul, which takes place in the evening in the local village square. The local villages gather, people from the surrounding towns visit, all to enjoy this beautiful religious occasion.  Following the church service, there is a procession by everyone attending around the village, accompanied by a brass band. After the procession, the people return to the church for the final blessings and the giving out of blessed bread, and enjoy drinks, all made by the local people.  The small street is lined with market stalls, tavernas are filled with music, singing and dancing takes place and it is an evening to enjoy the cultural religious event with the local community.